Battery warning after 'terrifying' bin lorry fire

Another warning has been issued by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) about the dangers of throwing out batteries in bins, specifically lithium-ion ones, after a bin lorry fire in south London.

Refuse workers tried to put out the fire in Brixton on Monday, described by one witness as "terrifying", but two fire engines had to be called in. There were no reported injuries.

LFB has said it "suspects" lithium-ion batteries and electrical products are responsible for a "growing number" of fires inside bin lorries and at waste disposal sites.

Lambeth Council praised the refuse collectors for their "swift action" dealing with the fire and for keeping the public safe.

Lambeth Council said this was not the first incident of its kind and urged people to dispose of batteries safely

One local resident told the BBC that she discovered the fire on her route to work and said the scene was "frightening".

Kate Burt, who is a journalist who writes online about waste related issues, said: "It was terrifying to see the guys who collect our bins each week risking their lives battling that huge, burning truck."

She described how the refuse collectors worked hard to get the fire under control but said the blaze "quickly got worse".

"Toxic smoke filled the street. Half an hour earlier I'd have been with my kids. The whole truck could easily have exploded," she said.

Ms Burt added: "This fire really brought home to me how dangerous it can be when people throw away everyday items like vapes, mobile phones or other things with lithium batteries in them."

LFB said fires that originate from batteries can be "very time consuming" for firefighters to deal with.

It said it has been attending fires, caused by batteries, within bin lorries, as well as recycling centres and they all require "a high level of resources" to put out.

"We've also seen the detrimental environmental and societal impact these fires can have on local communities," it said.

LFB advised that people check their local council's website for the safest way to dispose of lithium-ion batteries.

The brigade has said the exact cause of the bin lorry fire in Brixton is unknown.

Lambeth Council said there have been a "number of fires" linked to lithium batteries in the borough, and said that "proper disposal is key".

Councillor Rezina Chowdhury said: "Our teams go over and above to help keep our residents safe as their swift action here shows, and I thank them for their huge efforts.

"To support the fire brigade, we ask people not to put batteries in bins."