By Olivia Drake, HVFCo. Public Information Officer.
At 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a dumpster fire at the Haddam Transfer Station on Saybrook Road. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered flames and smoke coming from inside a trash compactor and receiving box. Transfer station crews unhooked the motorized compactor unit from the box and began emptying the burning contents onto the parking area.
Firefighters sprayed water on two piles of burning debris to extinguish the fire. They used tools to spread the smoldering debris and continued to spray the area to prevent additional flare-ups.
The transfer station was temporarily closed during the fire. It re-opened at 1:00 p.m.
Haddam Volunteer Fire Company reminds local residents to never throw anything flammable or combustible into the garbage. This includes hot fireplace ashes, freshly-burned cigarette butts, petroleum-based products, old propane or gas tanks, or compostable materials, which can generate heat and become combustible in time. Anyone discarding bulky waste such as building debris, furniture, and carpeting should never smoke around the contents.
The transfer station staff can advise residents on how to safely dispose of any questionable items.
Volunteers Needed! Do You…
- Want to make a difference in your community?
- Possess valuable skills, but no training?
- Need a little excitement in your life?
- Are retired, a student, work a day job?
If you answered yes, YOU PROBABLY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES!
For more information, see their WEBSITE.
Photos by Olivia Drake.
