A dramatic overnight fire at Hartland Landfill has once again highlighted a growing and often underestimated risk: lithium-ion batteries hidden in everyday waste.
A Rapid Emergency Response
On the evening of Saturday, April 25, a fire broke out in the active landfilling area of the Hartland Landfill, located in Saanich. The blaze ignited shortly after 7 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the Saanich Fire Department, with additional support from Highlands Fire Rescue.
Fire crews worked through the night, battling the flames and managing challenging conditions. Their efforts continued into the early hours of Sunday, April 26, when the fire was finally brought under control and fully extinguished.
In an official statement, the Capital Regional District expressed gratitude for the swift and coordinated response that prevented the situation from escalating further.
A Likely Cause: Lithium-Ion Batteries
While investigations are ongoing, early indications suggest the fire may have been caused by an item within the waste—most notably, a lithium-ion battery.
These batteries, commonly found in everyday items such as smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools, are increasingly becoming a major fire hazard in waste management facilities. When damaged, punctured, or compressed—conditions common in landfill environments—they can ignite or even explode.
Smoke Seen Across Greater Victoria
The scale of the fire was evident far beyond the landfill itself. Residents across Greater Victoria—from downtown Victoria to Langford—reported seeing thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky.
Local resident Greg Marsh, who visited the scene between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m., described the intensity of the situation.
“It was pretty crazy. I could not believe the smoke. The plumes were huge—I thought the whole side of the mountain was on fire.”
At the height of the response, at least a dozen fire trucks were on site, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
A Growing, Preventable Threat
This incident is part of a broader trend. As lithium-ion batteries become more embedded in daily life, improper disposal is leading to an increasing number of fires at landfills, recycling centers, and waste transfer stations.
The issue is not just environmental—it’s a serious safety risk for first responders, waste workers, and nearby communities.
What Needs to Change
Events like the Hartland Landfill fire reinforce a critical message: lithium-ion batteries do not belong in the trash.
Proper disposal through designated recycling programs is essential to reducing these incidents. Public awareness, stricter disposal guidelines, and better safety infrastructure are all key to preventing similar fires in the future.
