Hazmat crew responds to garbage truck fire near Garner
Hazmat crews responded Friday morning after a Waste Industries sanitation truck caught fire on N.C. Highway 50 and Ten-Ten Road, just south of Garner.
Posted — UpdatedThe driver, William Saunders, was taken to WakeMed Hospital after he got a headache and felt a burning sensation in the back of his throat, according to Waste Industries. He was listed in good condition.
An EMS crew member who transported Saunders to the hospital developed similar symptoms and was treated and released, according to authorities.
Waste Industries spokesman Harry Habets said he believes the fire was caused by improperly discarded residential waste.
Wake EMS crews checked the truck and found insecticide cans, but the cause of the fire was unclear. The EMS crew member did not have any traces of insecticide in his throat, authorities said.
"There's no telling how chemicals will react together, and it has started more than one fire. I've seen it happen with pool chemicals, in particular," said Brent Kirchoff, Waste Industries' division manager.
Wake County hazardous waste drop off locations are:
Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Accepted materials are:
- acids / bases
- automobile fluids / antifreeze
- batteries
- cooking oil / motor oil
- fire extinguishers (dry chemical)
- fluorescent light bulbs
- fuel oil / lighter fluid / kerosene
- household cleaners /chemicals
- mercury thermometers
- paints / lacquers / polishes
- pesticides / herbicides / poisons
- photographic chemicals
- solvents / thinners / wood preservatives
Unaccepted materials are:
- ammunition
- commercially generated waste
- explosives / shock sensitive items
- hypodermic needles /syringes
- medical waste
- radioactive materials
- smoke detectors
- trash / recyclables
- unknown materials
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