Cumberland Council is highlighting the swift and professional response of staff at Bousteads, Maryport, and Frizington Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) following a series of fire incidents over the past month.
Three separate fires occurred across HWRC sites in Cumberland. Thanks to the prompt actions of site teams, all incidents were managed safely and efficiently, with no injuries reported and minimal damage to infrastructure.
- Bousteads HWRC: A fire broke out in the compactor in early August. Staff evacuated the site and contacted emergency services. The fire was extinguished quickly, and the site reopened safely by early afternoon.
- Maryport HWRC: A compactor fire in early September was swiftly managed by staff, who evacuated the site and coordinated with the fire service. With support from a local contractor, the container was safely removed, and the site reopened the following morning.
- Frizington HWRC: A fire occurred out of hours in the wood container at the start of the August bank holiday. Cumbria Fire & Rescue attended the scene, and site staff managed the aftermath, relocating the container and implementing fire-watch measures.
These incidents highlight the risks associated with improper disposal of hazardous items such as batteries and disposable vapes, which are suspected to be the cause of the fires at Bousteads and Maryport. Such items can also pose a danger in kerbside collection vehicles.
Residents are urged to dispose of batteries and vapes responsibly by using designated recycling points. These items should never be placed in general waste bins.
Additionally, a fire at Flusco HWRC in early August (Westmorland & Furness) was believed to be caused by a still-lit disposable BBQ, serving as a further reminder to ensure all items are fully extinguished before disposal.
Councillor Bob Kelly, Executive Member for Cumberland Environment and Planning, said:
“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 more information on what materials can go into your waste and recycling bins, including how to safely dispose of batteries, vapes, and other hazardous waste, please visit:
www.cumberland.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-street-cleaning/waste-collections/types-rubbish-and-recycling-bins