Warning over dumped batteries after bin lorry fire

Several firefighting crews were called out to the incident in Axminster

Residents are being reminded to dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly after a blaze in a bin lorry.

Devon and Somerset Fire Service crews were called to Millwey Rise Industrial Estate in Axminster at about 07:40 BST after reports of a "small waste fire" from the vehicle's driver.

Firefighters from Chard, along with crews from Charmouth and Bridport in Dorset, extinguished a blaze after the contents of the lorry were removed. No injuries were reported.

Biffa, which owns the lorry, said the cause of the blaze was unknown but it had seen a "growing number" of fires involving lithium-ion batteries.

The waste management firm said the batteries, often found in products such as vapes, laptops, mobile phones and decorations for Halloween and Christmas, can burst into flames when crushed in the back of a truck or at a waste site.

"They must not be put in your general waste bin or your recycling bin," a spokesperson said.

"Instead, look for special vape and battery bins found in many shops, supermarkets and household waste recycling centres.

"Some councils also offer kerbside collections."

Firefighters from Devon and Somerset have dealt with several blazes involving lithium-ion batteries.

On 2 July, crews were dispatched to Magdalen Street in Exeter to deal with a fire inside the rubbish compartment of a recycling lorry.

The following day, Exeter City Council said the blaze had been caused by an exploding vape battery and issued advice for people about disposing vapes.

A similar incident happened in October 2024 when a lithium-ion battery caused a fire in a recycling lorry near Plymouth Pavilions.