Garbage truck catches fire in Milan for second time in 2 months

(MILAN, Ind.) – Firefighters are warning about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after another garbage truck fire in Milan. 

The fire occurred shortly before 5 a.m. Friday when the garbage truck was parked at the high school. 

The truck was moved over to the community park where the driver was able to eject the trash and firefighters put out the fire. 

“We knew we had to dump the trash to put the fire out and you never know what you might get once it gets dumped. We wanted to get it away from any structures, and most importantly the Milan students and staff with school starting in a few hours. That is why we moved it to the park,” said Milan Fire Chief Rod Johnson. 

Milan firefighters say this is a reminder of the importance of properly disposing batteries and other hazardous waste. 

The small lithium-ion batteries are commonly associated with vapes. They can combust when collected in garbage trucks. There have been instances across the globe of vapes sparking garbage fires.

This is the second time in the past two months that a fire in a garbage truck has occurred at the school. The first happened on July 17 and you can read that story here.

This is also the second fire involving a vehicle that the Milan Volunteer Fire Department has responded to this week. 

“I truly appreciate each member of this department. Both of these fires could have been worse if it wasn’t for how quick we responded and how aggressive we were. The men and women of this department are incredible and truly care about the community,” Johnson said.