City Of West Palm Beach: Flammable Materials Improperly Discarded Pose Fire Hazard For City Employees, Public

West Palm Beach FL

05 October, 2021

10:21 AM

Description

Press release from the City of West Palm Beach: 10/04/2021 10:19 AM The West Palm Beach Fire Department responded to a fire in a sanitation truck compactor in the area of Florida Mango Road last week. WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (October 4, 2021) – While a team of Department of Public Works sanitation employees was conducting routine trash and garbage pickups last week, their sanitation vehicle caught fire in the area of Florida Mango Rd.  With the vehicle's rear compactor ablaze, the quick-thinking team pulled over and took immediate steps to protect themselves, their vehicle and the public. The West Palm Beach Fire Department quickly responded and put out the fire, which remains under investigation. For the protection of city sanitation employees and the public, please do not dispose of flammable or hazardous materials in your trash and garbage as this can be a significant fire hazard. To reduce the risk for trash fires, do not place the following materials in your trash: Flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, oil-based paints, or kerosene. Hazardous materials, including ammonia, bleach, pool chemicals, paint thinners, and pesticides Cannisters containing propellants, including butane or propane Tanks or Cylinders containing compressed gas, such as propane, helium, oxygen, acetylene, or fire extinguishes Ashes from fire pits or barbeque grills Explosives, such as fireworks Flares Fertilizer Certain types of batteries -- It is OK to place regular alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9 volt) in the trash. It is NOT OK to place any other type of battery (rechargeable, nickel-cadmium, automotive, lithium-ion, cell phone, lead-acid) in the trash, garbage, or recycling bin.  (Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in portable electronics, cordless power tools and medical equipment. They are often used to power mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, as well as hoverboards.) This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed here are the author's own.