WESTPORT — Fire erupted in a garbage truck Thursday afternoon, triggered when lithium batteries exploded in its load of trash, according to the fire report.

The incident took place just before 2 p.m. Thursday when firefighters were dispatched to Fairview Drive where fire in a garbage truck was reported.

Before fire units arrived on the scene, the truck driver unloaded the burning garbage and doused the flames with a fire extinguisher, according to the report.

Firefighters investigating the fire determined it ignited when two lithium batteries for a battery-operated vacuum cleaner exploded in the load of trash. That prompted the driver to act after he heard the noise and saw smoke billowing from the rear of the vehicle.

Lithium batteries, which store a lot of energy and can overheat, are commonly found in devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, electric cars and scooters.

“Improper disposal of lithium batteries can cause fires,” the Fire Department warned in a statement issued after the garbage truck incident.

“Lithium batteries are unlikely to catch fire if handled and disposed of properly, but they can, through faults inside the battery or from external damage. And when they do catch fire, the consequences can be severe.”

Fire officials list safety tips for lithium batteries:

• When purchasing devices with lithium batteries, make sure the equipment has the Underwriters Laboratories mark. That shows that the product has been safety tested.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, bed or couch.
• Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter explicitly made for the device.
• Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place them in direct sunlight.
• Store batteries away from anything flammable
• If a battery overheats or starts emitting an odor, changes shape/color, starts leaking or makes odd noises, discontinue use immediately. Move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.

Lithium battery disposal:

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash.
• Recycling is the best option.
• Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions.
• Do not put discarded batteries in piles.

Westport residents can recycle batteries at the recycling center at the town’s transfer station, 300 Sherwood Island Connector. For more information about materials that can be recycled at the center, click here.