Park City Fire Marshal Mike Ownes said crews reached the smoldering pile of trash around 1:30 p.m. May 21.
The Republic Services garbage truck pulled over into the Wasatch Crest Treatment Services driveway and dumped its burning cargo once the driver noticed it was smoking.
“He reacted pretty quickly to get the fire on the ground rather than in his truck,” Owens said.
No one was injured and no damage was reported for the truck or surrounding area.
Owens said the cause is unclear and that dumpster and car fires aren’t investigated unless they are considered suspicious.
He said there are a few common denominators and reminded residents what should and should not be tossed out.
“Lithium batteries are a big fire starter for the fire industry lately as are, and for a long time, we've had oily rags that would start fires,” the fire marshal said. “Batteries should be recycled when possible. Oily rags must not be thrown in the garbage. If you have any questions on how something should be disposed of, please contact your garbage collection company or the Park City Fire District.”
Owens said cleanup is the responsibility of the garbage company.
The fire district turned the scene over to Republic Services shortly after 4 p.m.
Owens added Republic is required to ensure surrounding soils have not been contaminated.
