Community Corner
VIDEO: Trash Fire Erupts Behind Shopping Center
The fire involving a Waste Management truck was reported just before 3 p.m. Friday behind the center at Los Alamos Road and Hancock Avenue in Murrieta, just west of Interstate 215.
Murrieta firefighters worked quickly Friday afternoon to put out a trash fire that erupted behind Stater Bros. shopping center.
The rubbish caught fire as a waste management truck was collecting it from behind the row of businesses.
The fire was reported just before 3 p.m. Friday behind the center at Los Alamos Road and Hancock Avenue, just west of Interstate 215.
Flames that had spread to a nearby spot of vegetation were quickly doused by arriving crews, according to Battalion Chief Mario Monroy.
He said it was unclear whether the trash was ablaze within the truck, or caught fire as it was being collected.
In cases of trash fires, Monroy explained it is standard protocol for the truck to "dump the load."
"It's not uncommon but it's a messy incident to deal with," Monroy said.
Crews were expected to remain on scene for about an hour.
A waste management crew would also be summoned to clear the charred pile, according to Monroy.
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