GRAFTON, Wis. (WFRV)—One village in Wisconsin is urging residents to be mindful when disposing of hot items, especially ashes after one resident’s garbage can was ruined and a fire started in a garbage truck.
The Village of Grafton’s Department of Public Works posted a photo on Facebook showing the load fire as it was on the rise.
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The load fire in this case was caused by improperly disposing of hot ashes. The hot ashes melted a hole in a resident’s garbage can and then started a fire in the garbage truck after pickup.
Village of Grafton – Department of Public Works
The post added that the garbage truck driver’s quick response led to the hot load being dumped safely.
In addition, the following tips were added as a precaution and tactics to prevent load fires:
- Ensure that no hot spots remain in the ashes
- Soak them in water or leave them for a few days if reasonable, then double-check for hotspots
- Store ashes in a fire-resistant container with a tight cover
- Never dispose of hot ashes in a plastic garbage bag or can, nor cardboard boxes or paper bags
- Place the metal container with ashes somewhere safe
- This location should be nowhere near anything that could burn
- Do not place the container in the house, against a garage or near any firewood
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After at least a week of being in the metal container, the ashes should be safe to dispose of in the trash, though it is critical to be certain and double-check.
No additional information was provided.
