At approximately 8:18 AM Monday morning, a report of a trash truck on fire was received by Richland County 911. The driver, Aaron Peterson, observed smoke emanating from truck’s containment area as he drove his route, and called it in.

Peterson then proceeded to the parking lot of the NDDOT facility at 7930 180th Ave SE, Wahpeton, where the truck could be safely isolated until fire crews arrived. Flames were clearly visible originating from the containment area as the Dwight Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the fire.

The vehicle appears to have sustained minimal damage from the incident.
The final determination of the ignition source is pending.

The Richland County Sheriffs Office wants to remind everyone to always be aware of items placed in the trash and the potential for ignition. All chemicals, smoking products, fireplace ashes, etc., should be disposed of safely and in accordance with labeled instructions and procedures.

Dwight Volunteer Fire Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and North Dakota Highway Patrol all responded to the fire.