Lithium battery warning following bin lorry fire

Crews have tackled a fire sparked by lithium batteries in a bin lorry in Stoke-on-Trent.

Now we are again reminding members of the public that batteries should never be put in normal household waste. They must be taken to recycling centres and put in specific battery recycling boxes.

We were called to Deakin Road, Chell Heath, just after 8am yesterday (Thursday 26 June) after a report of smoke coming from a bin lorry.

When we arrived, waste from the vehicle had been emptied onto the road.

Crews extinguished the fire.

No injuries were reported.

Station manager, Ant Ball, said: “This incident involved lithium batteries that had been incorrectly discarded in general domestic waste.

“This poses a significant risk as lithium batteries are highly combustible and can cause fires when damaged.

“When disposing of lithium, or other types of batteries, do not place them in domestic refuse bins. Instead, they should be taken to a designated local recycling centre where they can be handled and disposed of safely.”