South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has issued a public warning following a bin lorry fire in Doncaster, caused by a lithium-ion battery believed to be from a disposable vape. The fire broke out on Ash Hill Crescent at around 10:10 BST on 2nd April, and was swiftly tackled by firefighters. However, crews were called back just 45 minutes later when the fire reignited in the lorry’s waste load.

Upon reinspection, crews discovered seven lithium-ion batteries amidst the waste, one of which had caught fire.

This incident, while alarming, is not isolated. According to the Recycle Your Electricals campaign group, 242 battery-related fires were reported across 77 UK local authorities in the year leading up to April 2024.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in everyday items, from mobile phones and laptops to electric toothbrushes and e-cigarettes. Their volatile nature, particularly when damaged or compacted in waste vehicles, makes them a serious fire hazard. This recent incident highlights the ongoing risk posed to waste operatives, emergency responders, and the public.

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