A "vape" sparked a fire in the back of a recycling wagon in Newton Aycliffe.
Firefighters were called to the town on Tuesday (August 11) after smoke started pouring from the pile of rubbish in a recycling wagon.
Durham County Council said the fire is believed to have been caused by a vape - and that it had to tip the contents of the wagon onto a patch of grass.
The fire service then put out the flames.
Thankfully, no-one was hurt and the site was later cleared of rubbish - but a warning has now been issued to not put batteries or vapes in with general rubbish and recycling.
A fire in the back of a recycling wagon in Newton Aycliffe
(Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)
“The consequences can be serious,” a council spokesperson said.
“Batteries and vapes can be safely recycled at most supermarkets.
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“We are also trialling a battery and vape collection service alongside the new food waste collections.
"Simply put any unwanted batteries and vapes separately in clear bags and leave them next to your food waste caddy on collection day.
“Our new food waste collection vehicles have specialist, separate compartments for batteries and vapes.”