Fires spark in 2 Hampton trash trucks

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - After two fires in city trash trucks, officials with the City of Hampton are reminding residents to be careful when disposing of items.

Tami Back with the City of Hampton said the fires broke out in the hoppers of the trash trucks, one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 2:30 p.m Monday. The driver of a trash truck along Wedgewood Drive was forced to pull over and call the fire department upon discovering the first fire.

Firefighters were able to partially extinguish the fire inside the hopper and told the driver to dump the load. The fire was then fully extinguished.

A few hours later, the second fire broke out along Winchester Drive when a resident spotted smoke coming from the truck. The driver immediately dumped the load and called the fire department.

Residents are reminded to only dispose of fully extinguished embers after cook-outs and allow them to sit for three days before throwing them away.

Residents should also never dispose of flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, aerosol cans and turpentine in the trash.