Local & Community
Rolling Garbage Truck Fire Forces Road Closure in Cathedral City
A rolling garbage truck fire caused a major response from Cathedral City firefighters around midday today, temporarily shutting down a residential roadway and sending smoke visible for miles.
The fire was reported around noon in the Cathedral City Cove area. A garbage truck operated by BureTech Waste Disposal caught fire in the rear compartment while collecting trash. Fire crews responded quickly and determined the safest way to control the flames was to offload the burning debris directly onto the street.
Firefighters worked to pull smoldering and flaming trash from the back of the truck and extinguish multiple piles of burning material in the roadway. The operation required Charlesworth Drive near Vista Del Valle Court to be closed as crews contained the fire and ensured it did not spread.
Thick smoke from the blaze could be seen across the area, particularly southwest of Cathedral City Center. Officials did not report any injuries, and no nearby structures were damaged.
The cause of the fire has not been released, though lithium batteries and other hazardous materials improperly disposed of in household trash are often linked to garbage truck fires. Cleanup crews worked to clear the roadway once the fire was fully extinguished.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
January 20, 2026
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