RESIDENTS are being warned by the district council to take extra care when deciding what to place in their household waste bins after a vehicle operated by a waste service provider caught fire.

 Kier, the waste vehicle operator for West Oxfordshire, reported that a fire occurred in one of their vehicles.

While going on a round, the crew heard an explosion in the back of the vehicle accompanied by flames and they then took  action quickly to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the back of the truck.

Using thermal imaging, fire crews  discovered that the fire started during a compacting process when a laptop computer containing four large lithium batteries was crushed.

Cotswold District Council, cabinet member for health, environment and communities,  Sue Coakley, said: “Thankfully, the crew’s swift action avoided what could have been a potentially serious incident. However, it is a stark reminder of the importance of disposing of electrical goods safely. Please look out for the ‘crossed out wheelie bin’ symbol (pictured above) which is found on many electrical items and makes it clear that they should not be put into normal household rubbish bins.

“Any small electrical items and batteries can be taken to your nearest waste and recycling sites, including Fosse Cross, Pyke Quarry and Shipston, for recycling or safe disposal.”