A fire that broke out at Hartland Landfill near Victoria on April 25 was likely caused by a lithium-ion battery, officials from the Capital Regional District (CRD) said. The blaze, which was captured on video and released by the CRD, prompted a swift response from fire crews. No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to a specific area of the landfill.
Investigation Underway
The CRD is investigating the incident to confirm the exact cause, but preliminary findings point to a discarded lithium-ion battery as the ignition source. These batteries, commonly found in electronics and electric vehicles, can pose fire risks if damaged or improperly disposed of.
Safety Precautions
Officials are urging residents to dispose of batteries responsibly at designated recycling facilities. The CRD emphasized that batteries should never be placed in regular garbage or recycling bins, as they can cause fires at waste facilities.
The fire at Hartland Landfill is a reminder of the growing challenge of managing hazardous waste in an era of increasing battery usage. The CRD plans to review its protocols and may implement additional safety measures to prevent future incidents.
