The Transfer Station was closed this afternoon (Saturday, January 3rd), after a fire broke out in the trash hopper.
According to the Southborough Fire Dept, they have successfully put the fire out. But the station remains closed as of this posting. The public is directed to look for updates from the DPW on reopening.
As of writing this post, the DPW’s Facebook page was still showing outdated information on the fire. (And my husband was turned away very recently — which is how I learned about the incident.)
Shortly before 2:00 pm this afternoon, the Southborough Police Dept posted the following photos and alert on Facebook:
At the same time, the SFD posted:
GENERAL RECALL – All Companies Working at 147 Cordaville Road, Southborough Department of Public Works, for a fire in the transfer stations trash hopper.
Avoid the area, while fire suppression activities are in process.
More recently, the SFD updated the post to add:
UPDATE: Fire Is extinguished and all fire units are clear the scene. Transfer station remains closed, see Southborough DPW for details on reopening.
It’s unclear if they will be able to reopen today. You can check for updates here.
Updated (1/3/26 4:34 pm): At 3:25 pm, the DPW posted to Facebook that the Transfer Station has reopened.
Any idea what caused the fire? Did someone dump fireplace remnants that were not quite extinguished?
Yesterday, DPW Superintendent Bill Cundiff told me that the cause wasn’t identified yet, but referred me to the fire chief. I got a response from Fire Chief Andrew Puntini today:
The fire is officially listed as Undetermined, Non-Suspicious
Although a variety of things could have contributed to this fire, it would be a good time to remind residents of the importance of proper disposal of Lithium Ion Batteries. They are an extreme fire hazard when subject to psychical damage, such as being processed through a transfer station. Care should be taken to dispose of them at proper drop off locations. Attached is also a link from the Department of Fire Services with more information on battery safety and disposal.
Thanks
Chief Puntini
https://www.mass.gov/news/state-fire-marshal-issues-lithium-ion-battery-safety-reminder
They should give the video footage to the police. Charges should be filed.
That fire was at the opposite end of the crusher. I doubt it was a lithium battery. It hadn’t been touched yet. More than likely it was hot coals. I was there when it started.