February 16, 2026
South Burnett Regional Council has advised that the chemical contamination which caused a scare in a JJ’s Waste Truck on Friday has been “neutralised”.
“Following an initial investigation, it has been determined that the fire was caused by chemicals disposed of in a kerbside general waste bin,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Council would like to thank all the emergency services teams that attended the scene on Friday extinguishing the fire, neutralising the chemicals and ensuring the safety of the community.
“Council also acknowledges Council staff who worked diligently into the afternoon to clean the waste from the area.
“Due to the swift response from emergency services there were no reported injuries to staff, emergency responders or the public. However, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper waste disposal.”
The SBRC has emphasised that improper disposal of chemicals can cause several environmental and health concerns, for example:
- Fire Hazards: Chemicals can react with moisture, air, and/or other materials causing a reaction that generates heat and flames, placing waste collection personnel and equipment at risk
- Air Quality: Chemical fires caused by hazardous materials can emit toxic fumes
- Soil and Water Contamination: Chemicals can leach into the ground, contaminating soil and groundwater, which can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems
- Health Risks: Exposure to toxic substances can have health implications for staff and community members, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly
- Important Resource Allocation: The response by Emergency Services to these incidents diverts resources from other incidents in the community
What You Can Do
- Always dispose of chemicals through the ChemClear program or any other authorised collection contractors. Download this information from Council’s website (201kb PDF)
- Educate family members about proper disposal methods for household chemicals.
- Report any sightings of illegal dumping to council.
- Council urges all community members to be vigilant regarding the disposal of chemicals.
For more information on how to dispose of waste correctly, download the Recyclopedia app or contact Council’s Waste Department on (07) 4189-9100.
To report any illegal dumping incidents, download the Snap, Send, Solve app.
These apps are available from Google Play and the Apple Store.
- Related article: Garbage Prompts Fire Emergency
