Baldivis fire crews post warning about discarded batteries following rubbish truck blaze

A discarded battery is believed to have sparked a fire in a rubbish truck that forced crews to dump their load in a Bunnings carpark on Friday morning.

Fire crews rushed to the scene about 4am after reports that a truck was on fire at the corner of Baldivis and Safety Bay roads.

It took three hours for crews to get the the blaze under control.

The fire sparked a warning about discarded batteries from Baldivis Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services.

A post social media read: “Crews were up early assisting another early riser. A garbage truck fire suspected to have been caused by a discarded battery.

“Please remember to dispose of them correctly. A quick team reaction brought this incident under control, all be it a little smelly.”

Rubbish truck fires are usually caused by batteries that haven’t been disposed of properly or by electrical equipment.

Batteries should never be put in the bin. Most councils offer battery recycling programs.

A full list of battery recycling facilities can be found here.