100 cellphone batteries catch fire in B.C. garbage truck

The aftermath of a fire in a garbage truck caused by cell phone batteries is shown in this photo from the City of Enderby (Image credit: Facebook/OurEnderby)

A municipal garbage truck caught fire in the B.C. Interior Tuesday after someone put 100 cellphone batteries in the trash, according to officials.

The City of Enderby, in a social media post, said the “explosive materials” were in a garbage bag that was picked up as part of routine curbside trash collection.

“As garbage was compressed in the vehicle, the cellphone batteries caught fire,” the post form the city said.

“Thanks to the quick work of the garbage truck operator and neighbourhood residents, the batteries were removed from the vehicle and the fire was extinguished before it could spread or do significant damage. This was a dangerous situation for all involved!”

The incident prompted a reminder from the city about the risks of tossing dangerous items in the trash, as well as the consequences.

“The placing of dangerous material for removal as garbage, such as explosive, volatile, or corrosive materials, dangerous chemicals, or any other material dangerous to the health and or safety of the garbage collection personnel is strictly prohibited,” the post from the city said, adding that penalties can include fines and jail time.