BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – The Belle Fourche Fire Department responded to a fire at the city landfill Monday evening.
When crews arrived, they found a fire believed to involve lithium-ion batteries. Fire officials say batteries thrown away in household trash or taken to the landfill can ignite if they’re crushed or damaged.
The department is reminding residents not to dispose of lithium-ion batteries, vape devices, power tool battery packs, laptops, or similar electronics in the garbage.
Instead, officials recommend taping battery terminals, placing each battery in a separate plastic bag, and taking them to a battery recycling center, participating retailer, or household hazardous waste collection site.
Residents looking for local disposal guidance can contact the Belle Fourche City Landfill at 605-892-3530.
