HORSEHEADS — The Horseheads Fire/Rescue Department responded to a garbage truck fire on Watkins Road on June 13.
Engine 1032 and 1034 were dispatched to the village location after reports of the vehicle fire.
Fire officials found a smoldering fire upon arrival, with the truck operators having already discharged an ABC fire extinguisher to limit the flames and protect the main chassis.
Engine 1032 deployed a 1 3/4-inch handline to extinguish the remaining smoldering materials.
An investigation determined that a lithium ion battery had been placed in the refuse garbage.
The battery experienced thermal runaway when the operator compacted the garbage, causing a rapid discharge of heat and energy that resulted in flames.
No additional hazards were found at the scene.
The incident was turned over to the recycling company for cleanup.
The Horseheads Police Department, Horseheads PBA and the Chemung County Sheriff’s E911 Center assisted with the response.
