BIN LORRY FIRE IN SHANKLIN MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY BATTERIES

Firefighters are tackling a bin lorry fire in Shanklin this morning (Wednesday), which is thought to have been sparked by the incorrect disposal of household batteries. At just before 10:00, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to smoke issuing from the rear of an Isle of Wight Council waste lorry. The vehicle has come to a stop on its rounds on Hilyards Crescent, off Green Lane, where fire crews from Shanklin and Ryde are working to extinguish the fire. Island Echo is told that household batteries have been found, with early indications that the crushing of these batteries may have caused them to ignite. Firefighters are pulling the contents of the rubbish lorry out of the rear section using tools whilst utilising a hose reel jet to dowse the burning material. The fire has caused an electrical malfunction on the vehicle, preventing the rear loader from being lowered. The reversing alarm is also repeatedly activating. Engineers from waste services are on it scene and are working to overcome the malfunction to enable further emptying of the vehicle by firefighters and its eventual recovery.