18/10/2026
🚒 Not every job is as clear-cut as it seems... and not every fire is a clean one! 🚒
Earlier this week, crews from FRNSW Glenbrook 301 responded to a garbage truck fire after part of the load onboard ignited.
To prevent the fire from spreading through the truck and causing further damage, the load was safely dumped at a blaxland waste facility. Firefighters then worked to extinguish hot spots throughout the pile. A special commendation goes to the garbage truck driver for their quick actions and to the Blaxland Waste Management staff, who provided valuable assistance by using heavy machinery to spread the rubbish, allowing firefighters to access and extinguish the remaining hot spots and ensure the fire was completely out. The teamwork, cooperation from Blaxland Waste Management staff was appreciated from our firefighters.
A great reminder that our firefighters attend a wide variety of incidents, and sometimes that means getting a little dirty along the way!
While the cause of the fire has not been determined, Fire and Rescue NSW is seeing an increase in garbage truck fires across the state caused by incorrect disposal of batteries.
We would like to raise awareness with our community that batteries do not belong in household bins. Even a single battery can spark a fire in a garbage truck, recycling facility or waste site.
If you're doing a spring clean, make sure any loose or unwanted batteries are taken to a designated battery drop-off point rather than placed in your household bin.
🔋Dispose of batteries safely. Protect our community.
Find your nearest battery drop-off location:
www.epa.nsw.gov.au/batteries
📸 Check out some photos from the incident below.
