Lithium-ion battery sparks trash fire in Edwardsville [Video]

A truck dumped its contents onto East Vandalia Street to limit the damage to the vehicle. The fire department was able to extinguish the blaze and no one was injured.

The Edwardsville Fire Department said a lithium-battery powered device had been compacted in the truck, sparking the dangerous blaze.

Fires sparked by these batteries burn very hot and can emit dangerous fumes.

The fire department explained in a social media post that these batteries should be recycled and should not be placed in the trash.

Lithium-ion batteries power common electronics like cellphones, power tools, laptops and tablets. Some retailers and certified recyclers can take these devices to properly dispose of the batteries.