BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – The Belle Fourche Fire Department responded to a fire at the city landfill Monday evening.

Upon arrival, crews found a fire putting out thick, black smoke.

Although the cause of the fire was not listed, the Belle Fourche Police Department put out a social media post regarding Lithium-Ion batters.

In a social media post, the Belle Fourche Fire Department reported Lithium-ion batteries discarded in household trash or at the landfill can ignite when crushed or damaged. They ask residents to not place lithium batteries, vape devices, power-tool packs, laptops, or similar items in the garbage.

To Dispose of them properly:

• Tape the terminals with electrical tape and place each battery in a separate plastic bag.

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in curbside trash or recycling.

• Take them to a battery recycler, participating retailer, or household hazardous waste collection site.

• For local guidance, contact the City Landfill at 605-892-3530.