Lithium-ion batteries responsible for fire at Chilliwack transfer facility

CHILLIWACK — Roughly 20 firefighters from two fire halls attended a recycling facility on Aitken Road Tuesday afternoon, a blaze that materialized after lithium-ion batteries were improperly thrown into the garbage.

According to a social media post from Valley Waste & Recycling, the company’s transfer station had to be closed due to a blaze that ignited in under seven minutes due to lithium batteries that were tossed into regular garbage.

“This is the second fire in just two months, and while we’re incredibly grateful that no one was hurt, it’s a serious reminder of how dangerous improper battery disposal can be,” Valley Waste & Recycling wrote on Facebook.

The company says lithium batteries can ignite or explode when crushed, putting its team, equipment, and community at risk.

“Please help us prevent future incidents: never throw batteries in the garbage or recycling bin,” Valley Waste wrote. “Instead, bring them to a proper battery recycling drop-off — available at most recycling depots and electronics stores.”

The company extended special thanks to the Chilliwack Fire Department for their quick and professional response today.

“We are so grateful for your support and service,” Valley Waste said, adding that its transfer station would remain closed for the rest of the day as it assesses damage and ensure it’s safe to reopen.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding,” Valley Waste said.

Chilliwack Assistant Fire Chief Chris Wilson says fire crews were dispatched at approximately 1:20 p.m. for the report of a fire at a recycling facility on Aitken Road. Approximately 20 firefighters from Halls 1 and 4 responded to the scene and discovered a fire in a large pile of general refuse at the recycling facility.

Wilson says crews quickly established a water supply and worked with facility staff to contain and extinguish the fire.

“This joint effort greatly contributed to the successful protection of nearby buildings, limiting the fire spread to the refuse material,” Wilson said.

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported at this fire, and the fire is under investigation by Chilliwack Fire Department officials.

The Chilliwack Fire Department says it would like to remind the public to never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in the garbage or curbside recycling bins. When improperly handled or damaged, lithium ion batteries pose a serious fire risk due to thermal runaway- a chemical reaction that may lead to fires or explosions.

For safe disposal options, please visit the City of Chilliwack’s Waste Wizard at www.chilliwack.com or the Recycling Council of BC’s “Recyclepedia” at https://rcbc.ca/recyclepedia/