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By Chris Conway

Refuse trucks are indispensable in waste management, collecting vast quantities of refuse from urban and rural areas alike. Yet, these essential vehicles face a growing and often overlooked risk: fire. Combustible materials, high-pressure compacting mechanisms, and flammable fluids make garbage trucks particularly susceptible to fires. With fire incidents in waste collection vehicles on the rise, installing fire suppression systems is crucial for fleet safety, operational continuity, and environmental protection.

The Scope of the Problem
Refuse truck fires are more frequent than many people realize. According to the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), North America experiences more than 1,500 fires annually in waste and recycling facilities, with approximately 35 percent of these fires attributed to collection vehicles. These fires pose significant financial and operational setbacks and create environmental hazards as they release pollutants and toxic materials into the air and ground water (during firefighting). Above all, safety is the primary concern—garbage truck fires put drivers, other road users, and nearby residents at serious risk.

Why Are Garbage Trucks Prone to Fire?
Several unique risk factors contribute to the high incidences of fires in garbage trucks. First, the nature of waste collection means trucks frequently carry combustible materials. Hazardous items like batteries, aerosol cans, and chemicals are often unknowingly discarded in household and commercial waste, creating substantial fire hazards during compacting. Lithium-ion batteries are known culprits. When damaged or under pressure, these batteries can overheat and ignite, leading to dangerous fires.
Second, debris collection. Due to the nature of the operation, it is nearly impossible to avoid flammable debris collection where contact with hot surfaces is likely. An ignited fire can easily spread to the vehicle itself, affecting systems that could quickly increase the energy load and causing fast acceleration of the fire.

Lastly, the vehicle is comprised of systems that require flammable hydrocarbons to operate. These hydrocarbons (diesel, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, etc.) are close to surfaces hot enough to create ignition of leaks or accidental spillage. Alternate forms of traction energy (Li-Ion batteries, CNG, or hydrogen) are susceptible to the thermal violence that onboard fires may create. Take for example a Li-Ion battery that may be forced into thermal runaway due to an onboard system fire. A relatively simple fire may lead to a condition that is impossible to extinguish. It is imperative to protect these alternate fueled vehicles from the traditional fire risks that comprise a typical refuse truck or landfill vehicle.

The Solution: Fire Suppression Systems
Considering the unique fire risks associated with refuse trucks, installing fire suppression systems offer a vital safety measure. A fire suppression system is an automated solution designed to detect and control fires, often before the driver even realizes an incident has started. These systems use sensors to detect heat or flames and deploy suppression agents to extinguish the fire. This immediate response is crucial for preventing the fire from spreading and causing extensive damage.
The benefits of installing fire suppression systems in garbage trucks are significant:

1. Enhanced Safety for Operators: By detecting and controlling fires automatically, these systems protect drivers from exposure to fire and smoke in confined spaces, improving overall safety.
2. Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs: Fires often cause extensive damage, resulting in costly repairs and long downtimes. Fire suppression systems minimize damage, allowing trucks to return to service sooner and reducing repair expenses.
3. Environmental Protection: Preventing fires in garbage trucks reduces the release of harmful smoke and pollutants, supporting environmental sustainability.
4. Lower Liability Risks: A fire suppression system decreases the likelihood of fires spreading to other vehicles or property, potentially avoiding costly liability issues.

Final Thoughts
As fire risks in garbage trucks continue to increase, investing in fire suppression technology is a proactive measure that provides significant returns in safety, cost savings, and environmental impact. For municipalities and private waste management companies, equipping garbage trucks with fire suppression systems is not just a precaution, but also an essential step towards responsible, safe, and efficient waste collection—as well as staying out of the news.
Considering the high incidences of garbage truck fires and their serious consequences, fire suppression systems should become a standard feature in these vehicles. Protecting drivers, vehicles, and communities from fire hazards is vital in advancing safety in waste management operations. | WA.

Chris Conway is Technical Director for Dafo US Ltd. For more information, call (910) 769-6299, e-mail [email protected] or visit .