A Republic Services trash collection truck burst into flames Thursday, June 18, at the intersection of Richman Avenue and Jacaranda Place in Fullerton.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after the fire was reported. Smoke could be seen rising from the vehicle as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes, vehicles, and vegetation.
Information regarding injuries was not immediately available. The extent of the damage to the truck and the cause of the fire had not been released as of Thursday.
Trash truck fires are not uncommon in the waste-hauling industry. Fire officials and waste companies have repeatedly warned that improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries can ignite inside collection vehicles when crushed during compaction. Republic Services has published public safety information warning customers not to place lithium batteries in household trash or recycling carts, as they can cause fires in collection trucks and at waste facilities…