BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – The Belle Fourche Fire Department responded to a fire at the city landfill Monday evening.
Firefighters arriving on scene found a fire producing thick black smoke. Officials have not released a cause, but the incident prompted a public reminder about the dangers of improperly disposing of lithium-ion batteries.
The fire department says lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed or damaged in garbage trucks or at landfill sites. Residents are being asked not to place batteries, vape devices, power tool batteries, laptops, or similar items in household trash.
Officials recommend covering battery terminals with electrical tape, placing batteries in separate plastic bags, and taking them to an approved recycler or hazardous waste collection site.
For more information on proper disposal, residents can contact the Belle Fourche City Landfill.
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