Garbage truck fires are never ideal, but they are usually not catastrophic. When a fire broke out on December 6 in the back of a garbage truck making its Friday rounds through the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, the fire department responded within five minutes. Firefighters saw flames shooting five feet into the air out the back of the truck, and they prepared to put the fire out using hoses and water. Four minutes after their arrival on scene, however, the garbage truck exploded in rat...
Garbage Truck Explosion in Chicago Suburb Highlights CNG Hazards
Fire Department's Swift Response and Catastrophic Explosion
On December 6th, a seemingly routine Friday garbage collection in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights took a disastrous turn when a fire erupted in the back of a garbage truck. The Arlington Heights Fire Department swiftly responded within five minutes, finding flames shooting several feet into the air.
Unforeseen Cause: Lithium-Ion Battery Mismanagement
Tragically, four minutes after firefighters arrived, the garbage truck exploded with immense force, injuring several firefighters and police officers, damaging nearby homes, and scattering debris throughout the neighborhood. Investigations later revealed that the explosion was caused by a lithium-ion battery improperly disposed of in a recycling bin.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): A Double-Edged Sword
The garbage truck involved was powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which is typically stored in high-pressure cylinders mounted on the roof. To prevent catastrophic explosions in case of overheating, these cylinders are usually equipped with pressure relief valves designed to release methane gas into the atmosphere.
However, in this instance, all the pressure relief devices malfunctioned, leading to the explosion of the CNG tanks.
Lessons Learned and Ongoing Investigations
This incident has raised serious concerns about the potential hazards of CNG-powered vehicles, particularly in enclosed spaces or near populated areas. Fire officials are investigating the exact reasons for the malfunctioning pressure relief valves, and manufacturers are reviewing their safety protocols.
The Arlington Heights explosion serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper waste disposal, particularly for potentially hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries. Residents are urged to follow designated disposal guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.