UPDATED: People were asked to avoid Natal Road this afternoon after five tonnes of recycling caught fire and had to be dumped.
The Recycling Partnership truck shed its load near Mithras House after it started smouldering.
It’s thought the fire was caused by a discarded aerosol or battery.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service @EastSussexFRS are responding to a a bin lorry fire near Mithras House, Brighton University, off Lewes Road.
Natal Road currently Closed @SussexTW @travelneek @RegencyRadio🎥@imjustbrighton_ pic.twitter.com/CujdQhSedZ
— Sussex News – Breaking news for Sussex (@SussexIncidents) June 17, 2024
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 11.27am to reports of a bin lorry alight.
In a statement, the fire service said: “Two fire engines are at the scene.
“Crews are using two hose reels to put out a fire affecting around five tonnes of waste.
“Please avoid the area.”
A spokesman for Recycling Partnership said: “Thankfully, due to the professionalism of our staff and the prompt actions of the local fire service the fire was extinguished with no damage to property or injury to people.
“The incident resulted in the mixed recycling load being ejected from the vehicle for the fire crews to ensure the load was fully extinguished before a cleanup operation was undertaken.
“The cause of the fire was unknown but started within the load and it is suspected that it was a discarded battery or aerosol.
“We would like to thank the fire service for their rapid response and our contractors that supported the clear up operation and assure our customers that all our services are unaffected.”
