Garbage truck fire caused by dumpster striking power lines

Site staff by Site Contributor

Via MFD

Via MFD

Via MFD

Via MFD

Via MFD









A garbage truck started a fire after it struck power lines on Madison’s west side Saturday afternoon, police said.

The Madison Fire Department said a fire crew responded to a report of a Waste Management vehicle tangled in live wires in the 200 block of Nautilus Drive at 4:20 p.m.

According to the report, a garbage truck struck the power line as it was lifting the dumpster in the air.

Firefighters found the Waste Management truck still in contact with the wires and smoke coming from the rear trash container area. The live wires feed electricity to a nearby apartment complex. Firefighters evacuated 225 and 229 Nautilus Drive as a precaution.

Madison Gas & Electric responded to assist with cutting off electrical services to the power line. Once power was eliminated, firefighters could begin extinguishing the fire. MG&E had power shut down at 5:08 p.m. Firefighters climbed roof ladders to access the hopper area of the truck and extinguished fire using water and foam. The fire was knocked down at 5:32 p.m.

A wrecker was called to remove the garbage truck, and MG&E continued working to repair and restore power to the area, fire officials said.

Nobody was injured, according to the report.

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