Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and Newark and Sherwood District Council issue reminders to dispose of vapes correctly after lorry fire

A lorry fire caused by a vape has prompted a fire service to issue a reminder about correct disposal.

A lorry-load of rubbish was piled onto a residential road this morning (July 2) to stop the rapid spread of fire — caused by a vape incorrectly disposed of in with the rubbish.

Posting a warning on Facebook, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “To stop the fire from rapidly spreading, we made the decision alongside Newark and Sherwood District Council to get all of the rubbish out of the lorry and onto the road…

“Nobody wants this on their doorstep, so we ask that you all dispose of your vapes appropriately. Always take them to a recycling centre, and never dispose of them at home.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council added: “This morning, during our waste collections in Rainworth, the crew spotted smoke coming from the load in the waste truck. Following protocol, the load was ejected from the vehicle to prevent any potential fire spreading and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted…

“The batteries in vapes can ignite if damaged or exposed to heat. Disposing of your vape at home could cause fire hazards such as this, and potentially cause far more harm and damage than today’s incident. Always dispose of your vape correctly by taking them to a recycling centre where they can be disposed of safely.”

Crews from Blidworth Fire Station and Mansfield Fire Station attended the lorry fire, which occurred in Rainworth.

A clean up effort began shortly afterwards, with the Street Scene Team and an additional waste vehicle dispatched to clear the road of the rubbish.