Improperly disposed battery possible cause of trailer fire at Lewis County Solid Waste site Tuesday night

LOWVILLE- A fire Tuesday night at the Lewis County Solid Waste Facility was extinguished thanks to a timely response from firefighters and coordination with local officials.

When the first wave of firefighters from Lowville Fire Department arrived, a fully loaded trailer was found to be on fire.

According to Fire Chief Joe Austin, firefighters began attacking from a distance amidst uncertainty of any potential dangers that may have been lurking within.

The ladder truck was utilized for an aerial attack to prevent firefighters from being exposed to the off gassing of the burning contents, Chief Austin explained.

Once things were under control, personnel from the Solid Waste Department stepped in to empty the trailer and ensure all contents were extinguished.

Though the official cause of this fire remains unknown as of this report, Chief Austin did note that an improperly disposed battery may have been the source.

As a general reminder, Chief Austin warns local folks to never dispose of any batteries in normal garbage dispensers.

LOWVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT IMAGE.