Around 4:30 in the morning on Thursday, an unexpected emergency unfolded on Pomerleau Street in Biddeford when a garbage truck caught fire while making its rounds.

Why dump the trash out on the street, though?

According to an article from WGME 13, the driver was forced to take quick action and dump the burning load of trash right onto the street, a safety protocol that’s standard in situations like this to prevent the fire from spreading or causing even more damage.

The Biddeford Fire Department responded promptly and managed to extinguish the flames before things got worse. However, the aftermath has left a mess that will take some time and effort to fully clean up, the news station reported.

Because of this, Pomerleau Street remains closed as crews work to clear the burnt debris and make sure the area is safe for traffic again.

Will this hinder trash pickup in the city for the remainder of the day?

Officials in the town of Biddeford have reassured the public that the truck involved belongs to a private waste collection company, and this incident will not affect the city’s regular trash pickup schedules. So, if you’re expecting your usual pickup, it should still happen on time.

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It’s a reminder that even in routine jobs like trash collection, unexpected hazards can pop up and safety always comes first. We’ll keep you updated on the cleanup progress and when the road will reopen.

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