Bin lorry fire caused by e-scooter batteries

Crews have issued safety advice after discarded electric scooter batteries caused a bin lorry fire.

We were called to Wheelers Close, Nazeing today (14 May) at 9.33am and two crews from Harlow attended.

Crews extinguished a fire affecting rubbish in a bin lorry by 10am. Fortunately, it was out before it spread to the vehicle.

Watch Manager Ross Daynes said: "We believe the fire was caused by lithium-ion batteries, probably from an e-scooter.

"We would urge residents not to dispose of batteries in their household waste.

"Most recycling centres in Essex take them and you can find your nearest location online at loveessex.org."

According to campaign group Material Focus, there were more than 1,200 battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites in the UK in 2023, an increase from 700 in 2022.