Watertown Firefighters Douse Fire in Garbage Truck

A garbage truck driver got a surprise while doing his route this morning when he saw smoke coming from the back of the truck.

The driver headed to the nearest fire station to have the fire doused, said Watertown Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Tardiff. 

"He pulled up in front of Station 3 on Orchard Street and we put the fire out," Tardiff said.

The truck arrived at the fire station at about 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, and the fire was out in just a few minutes. What started the fire is not clear, Tardiff said.

"We are not sure what started the fire," Tardiff said. "On his route (the driver) picked up something that was on fire."

Tardiff said residents should be careful when throwing out coals, charred wood and other things that have been on fire.

"When someone tried to put out ash or something on fire in the trash they have to realize the danger isn't gone when it leaves their house," Tardiff said. "This is a perfect example."

No damage was caused by the fire, according to scanner reports.