Members of the Pierre Volunteer Fire Department spent about two hours this morning (June 20, 2025) extinguishing and cleaning up a fire that started in the back end of a River Bottom Sanitation garbage truck.
Deputy Chief Sean Kruger says they were at the intersection of Saunders Court and Highway 14, on the north side of town.
Kruger says the garbage truck didn’t appear to be seriously damaged.
Kruger says what caused the garbage to start on fire is unknown.
On their Facebook page, River Bottom Sanitation used the incident to remind people that some items placed in household trash can can ignite or react when compacted in a garbage collection truck, becoming extremely dangerous. To help prevent similar incidents people are reminded to not place certain items in their household garbage. Those items include:
- Lithium-ion or rechargeable batteries (from electronics, vape pens, tools, etc.)
- Hot coals, grill ashes, or fireplace embers (even if they appear cool)
- Household chemicals, paints, solvents, pool supplies, or cleaners
- Car batteries or power tool batteries
- Oily rags or auto fluids
If you’re unsure how to dispose of a certain item, people are encouraged to contact their garbage collection or waste management company.
Comments