06/22/2026
Dumpster Fire Highlights Importance of Safe Disposal Practices:
Friday evening, Fire District 3 crews responded to a commercial dumpster fire off of SE Grace Avenue. Engine 35, Tower 35, Battalion 31, and Fire Marshal 32 worked together to extinguish the fire, with Tower 35 utilizing its aerial ladder to gain the best access to the burning contents.
After the initial fire was knocked down, the dumpster rekindled later in the evening. With assistance from the property owner, who brought in an excavator to empty the container, crews were able to fully expose and extinguish the remaining hot spots.
While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, dumpster fires serve as a good reminder that some everyday items can create fire hazards long after they've been discarded.
Items that should never be placed in a dumpster while hot, damaged, or improperly prepared include:
🔥 BBQ ashes, charcoal, and smoking materials
🔋 Lithium-ion batteries from phones, tools, e-bikes, and toys
🧴 Oily rags or materials soaked with solvents and stains
🧪 Pool chemicals and other reactive products
💨 Propane cylinders and aerosol cans
Even materials that appear cool can retain enough heat to ignite surrounding trash hours later.
If you're disposing of ashes, store them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and keep them away from combustible materials for several days before disposal. Batteries should be taken to approved recycling locations whenever possible.
A small fire in a dumpster can quickly spread to nearby buildings, vehicles, vegetation, or utility infrastructure. Taking a few extra moments to dispose of materials safely can help prevent an emergency before it starts.
