Fire officials say the quick actions of a driver and firefighters prevented a much more serious incident after a lithium-ion battery likely started a garbage truck fire in Lake Forest.
The Lake Forest Fire Department responded on Saturday afternoon to the City of Lake Forest Compost and Recycling Center, 1381 Kennedy Road, for a report of a vehicle fire.
Lake Forest Deputy Fire Chief Chris Roberts said initial reports indicated the fire started in the rear compartment of a garbage truck.
The truck operator acted quickly and safely dumped the burning load onto the ground.
The driver then moved the vehicle away from the flames, Roberts said.
The debris fire was quickly contained by the Lake Forest Fire Department, preventing injuries and damage to the vehicle.
“The quick actions of the driver and responding crews helped prevent what could have been a much more serious incident,” Lake Forest Fire Chief Andy Rick said.
“We’re thankful for the safe outcome and want to remind residents to dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly to prevent fires like this,” Rick said.
Roberts said the fire was suspected to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, power tools and other household devices, store significant energy and can ignite if improperly discarded.
Roberts said improper disposal has already caused multiple garbage truck fires in Lake Forest in recent months, putting sanitation crews, equipment and the public at risk.
Residents are urged to never throw electronics containing lithium-ion batteries in the trash or curbside recycling cart.
Batteries can be safely dropped off at the City of Lake Forest Compost and Recycling Center in the designated bin for disposal.