Warning after three bin lorry fires in one week

Fires broke out inside three bin lorries in one week in Leeds, prompting the council to issue an urgent warning about the safe disposal of batteries and barbecues.

In the incidents in Burmantofts, Armley and Middleton, waste crews saw smoke emerge from their wagons due to fires caused by discarded barbecues or batteries from vapes or other devices.

Workers had to tip the smouldering waste on to the road to enable it to be safely extinguished, following advice from firefighters, a Leeds city Council spokesperson said.

Mohammed Rafique, executive member for environment, said incorrectly discarded rubbish can cause "danger to our crews and staff, damaged vehicles and inconvenience for residents".

No workers were hurt during the fires and the bin lorries, roads and nearby properties were not damaged.

The mess at each location was cleared up as quickly as possible, a council spokesperson said.

But the incidents did cause extra expense and inconvenienced neighbours and drivers, they added.

Rafique said: "Fires in bin wagons or at recycling centres can be started from the smallest spark or heat source."

The council urged people to dispose of batteries or devices like vapes that contain lithium-ion batteries at the place they were purchased from, supermarket recycling points or the tip.

They advised people to allow disposable barbecues to fully cool down, soak them in water and wrap them in foil before putting them in the bin.

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