Warning after battery fire damages bin lorry

Crews from four fire stations responded when the alarm was raised

Fire crews have warned people to dispose of rechargeable batteries carefully after a fire badly damaged a bin lorry in Nottinghamshire.

The alarm was raised at about 11:30 BST on Tuesday when smoke was seen coming from the vehicle as it passed through Rufford.

Firefighters from Edwinstowe and Warsop, with additional support from Newark and Blidworth, responded, but the lorry suffered severe damage.

This prompted station manager Charlotte Weatherall-Smith to warn that putting lithium-ion batteries in domestic waste bins posed "a real danger to the public".

No-one was hurt, but the lorry was badly damaged

There are no reports of any injuries to the bin lorry team.

Ms Weatherall-Smith said: "Incidents like this highlight the serious risks associated with disposing of lithium-ion batteries.

"These batteries, which can be found in smartphones, laptops, vapes and e-scooters, can ignite when damaged, posing a real danger to the public.

"We urge people to check with their local council or recycling centre for safe battery disposable options.

"By disposing of batteries responsibly, we can help prevent future incidents from happening."

A fire officer emphasised that the public has a responsibility to dispose of batteries carefully