Crawley: West Sussex Fire and Rescue issue warning from e-scooter fire

Crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) responded to the fire in Crawley on Wednesday, May 24, which started in the back of a refuse collection lorry. 

The e-scooter’s lithium-ion battery ignited inside the refuse lorry after having been thrown away in a household waste bin.

The charred remains of the e-scooter (Image: WSFRS)

Upon arrival the crews extinguished the fire and left the electric scooter submerged in water at Crawley recycling centre to prevent it reigniting.

In the wake of the incident, firefighters are urging residents to dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely.

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“All types of batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, pose a serious risk when thrown away in general waste or recycling bins, as this incident clearly shows,” said Christopher Barker, watch manager at Crawley Fire Station.

“Never put batteries in your household bins. They can become damaged from crushing during the collection and sorting process, causing paper, plastics, and other materials to catch alight.

“Many shops and supermarkets have designated collection points where you can recycle small batteries, or alternatively you can take them to your local recycling centre.”

WSFRS’s blue watch crew have been visiting waste disposal sites across the county to educate people on the safe disposal of items containing lithium-ion batteries.