Garbage Truck Fire

May 22, 2023

Published: 04 Aug 2023 05:11pm

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has called in a specialist aerial pumper to gain access to a fire in a garbage truck in Sydney's west today.

FRNSW and other emergency services responded to numerous reports that a garbage truck was well alight on the intersection of Gipps St and the Great Western Highway in Claremont Meadows, just before midday.

The fire ignited in the cabin / engine area of the truck and spread quickly to the rubbish contained in the compactor.

The quick action of firefighters prevented the fire in the rubbish compactor from taking hold and causing more damage.

Damage to the drivers compartment and the engine prevented firefighters from being able to operate the truck's hydraulics to to gain access to the load.

Firefighters used a hydraulic tool to break a locking bar on the rear gate of the compactor.

A haulage tow truck then lifted the gate, giving firefighters access to the concealed flames.

The fire took approximately two hours to extinguish.

FRNSW Hazmat crews monitored the water run-off from the fire and placed booms over the local drainage system, as a precaution.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) assisted with the supply of water to the firefighting operations.

There were no injuries reported..

Gipps Street was closed for several hours during the fire and subsequent clean up operations.

Media note: FRNSW footage of the incident can be obtained here: https://vimeo.com/851543723/09699bfa45?share=copy [external link]

Updated: 04 Aug 2023 05:15pm

listView more incidents

Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.

For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)

For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].

For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]

1 Marsden Road, ST Marys NSW 2760

290-294 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

1a Ellsworth Drive, Tregear NSW 2770