Crews attended a council bin lorry fire in Chilwell on Tuesday 21 Janaury.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
‘This morning Stapleford fire crews attended a refuse vehicle fire together with Highfields Fire Station.
‘Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires when thrown in regular bins.
‘We join Broxtowe Borough Council in urging our communities to recycle vapes properly
‘Always ensure the device is fully powered off before disposal too.’
Broxtowe Borough Council said:
‘This morning one of our refuse vehicles caught fire on Pearson Avenue Chilwell, it is suspected that this was caused by a vape being disposed of in a bin.
‘Luckily none of the crew were harmed on this occasion and thank you to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service who responded quickly.
‘The load had to be ejected in a nearby car park, but our teams are working to ensure all debris is cleared and that bin collections are not disrupted due to the fire.
‘Lithium batteries are found in things such as phones, vapes, laptops and vehicles, they are particularly dangerous because they:
Spontaneously ignite.
Burn at a high temperature.
Spread quickly.
Are difficult to extinguish due to containing self-oxidising elements.
Lithium batteries require safe disposal at a household waste and recycling centre or batteries from small appliances can go in dedicated bins which can be found at many supermarkets or shops.
Please do not dispose of batteries or electrical items in any of your bins.’
