Fires at HWRC Immediate Swift Motion from On-Web site Workforce

Cumberland Council is highlighting the swift {and professional} response of workers at Bousteads, Maryport, and Frizington Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) following a sequence of fireplace incidents over the previous month.

Three separate fires occurred throughout HWRC websites in Cumberland. Thanks to the immediate actions of web site groups, all incidents had been managed safely and effectively, with no accidents reported and minimal injury to infrastructure.

• Bousteads HWRC: A hearth broke out within the compactor in early August. Staff evacuated the location and contacted emergency providers. The fireplace was extinguished shortly, and the location reopened safely by early afternoon.
• Maryport HWRC: A compactor fireplace in early September was swiftly managed by workers, who evacuated the location and coordinated with the hearth service. With help from an area contractor, the container was safely eliminated, and the location reopened the next morning.
• Frizington HWRC: A hearth occurred out of hours within the wooden container at first of the August financial institution vacation. Cumbria Fire & Rescue attended the scene, and web site workers managed the aftermath, relocating the container and implementing fire-watch measures.

These incidents spotlight the dangers related to improper disposal of hazardous objects comparable to batteries and disposable vapes, that are suspected to be the reason for the fires at Bousteads and Maryport. Such objects can even pose a hazard in kerbside assortment autos.

Residents are urged to eliminate batteries and vapes responsibly through the use of designated recycling factors. These objects ought to by no means be positioned typically waste bins.

Additionally, a fireplace at Flusco HWRC in early August (Westmorland & Furness) was believed to be brought on by a still-lit disposable BBQ, serving as an extra reminder to make sure all objects are absolutely extinguished earlier than disposal.

Councillor Bob Kelly, Executive Member for Cumberland Environment and Planning, stated:

“These incidents could have had far more serious consequences, and I want to thank the HWRC staff and emergency responders for their quick thinking and calm professionalism. Their actions helped protect the public and prevent further damage. We also appreciate the support from contractors and partners who assisted during these events.”

For extra data on what supplies can go into your waste and recycling bins, together with the way to safely eliminate batteries, vapes, and different hazardous waste, please go to:

 www.cumberland.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-street-cleaning/waste-collections/types-rubbish-and-recycling-bins