Chemical hair dye product believed to have sparked bin lorry blaze

Firefighters believe a fire within household waste was caused by a discarded peroxide hair dye product catching alight.

Hightown crews were alerted to smoke emanating from a bin lorry at around half eight yesterday morning.

The vehicle was taken back to the depot on Botley Road, Hedge End, where the contents of the lorry were unloaded, allowing firefighters to investigate and extinguish the small fire.

It is believed the hair dye product caught alight when compacted in the truck, heating to more than 100 degrees.

Residents are advised to dispose of peroxide products safely by taking it to a local Hazardous Waste Recycling Centre.

Firefighters returned to station shortly after 9am.​