Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
A discarded vape battery caused a fire in a council bin lorry in Exeter on Wednesday, 2nd July, leading to serious damage and traffic disruption.
The fire started in the back of the lorry while it was operating on Magdalen Street early in the morning. The crew noticed smoke and tried to contain the fire using the vehicle’s compacting system, but the heat had already damaged the electrics, stopping it from working fully.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service arrived at 6.32am and put out the fire by spraying water through holes in the lorry’s roof. The road had to be closed during the operation.
The fire destroyed the rear section of the vehicle and melted parts of the metal waste compartment. Repair costs are estimated to be at least £25,000.
Councillor Ruth Williams, Lead for Place and City Management, praised the waste crew and fire service for their quick response. She said the incident was caused by a vape being thrown in the gen…
