Fire Engulfs Bin Lorry, Disrupts Operations at Cambridge Airport

A fire involving a bin lorry on Newmarket Road in Cambridge caused significant disruption to Cambridge Airport on August 12, 2023. Video footage captured by a local resident showed large plumes of smoke rising from rubbish that had been removed from the lorry, highlighting the intensity of the incident.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with firefighters from the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue service arriving at approximately 11:16 AM. According to a spokesperson for the service, firefighters worked to extinguish the flames using hose reels and returned later to address any remaining hotspots within the rubbish. The fire has been classified as accidental, potentially caused by hazardous items such as gas canisters or improperly disposed batteries.

In a statement, Cambridge City Council noted that the crew of the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service recycling lorry adhered to safety protocols during the incident. They successfully emptied the contents of the lorry on Airport Way, ensuring that no crew members were injured and that waste collection services continued without interruption that day.

Impact on Cambridge Airport and Community Safety

While the situation was resolved without injury, Cambridge Airport experienced a temporary closure during the incident’s cleanup. Cllr Rosy Moore, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Environment, expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents. She highlighted that improper disposal of batteries and similar items is a growing issue, which poses risks not only to waste collection crews but also to emergency responders and the public.

“Fires breaking out in our vehicles is becoming a common occurrence,” Cllr Moore stated. “When batteries are crushed and damaged, they can ignite. Our well-trained staff acted quickly to prevent harm to themselves and damage to the lorry, but this incident has impacted not only them but fire crews, airport staff, and of course passengers.”

To mitigate these risks, Cllr Moore urged the public to dispose of batteries safely. She recommended that batteries be kept separate from other waste and recycled properly at designated locations, including supermarkets and Household Recycling Centres. Additionally, she emphasized that flammable items like gas canisters should never be placed in regular bins.

As the investigation into the fire continues, local authorities remain vigilant in addressing the risks associated with hazardous waste disposal. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible waste management practices for the safety of the community.