Bin lorry fire in Wokingham prompts vape disposal warning

A bin lorry fire believed to have been sparked by a discarded vape has prompted a warning not to dispose of battery-powered items in household rubbish.

Wokingham Borough Council said the fire was spotted by the waste collection crew, who drove the lorry back to the depot and called Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The crew dumped the load of smouldering rubbish while firefighters put the fire out. A thermal imaging camera was then used to check for hotspots.

The council said no-one was hurt in the fire, which happened on Tuesday, but urged residents not to put batteries or battery-powered items in their bins.

It said batteries should instead be taken to a recycling centre or retailer with suitable recycling facilities.