From pilot program to proven practice in fire prevention.
By Adam Kurtz
Fire risk in solid waste collection is no longer a rare or isolated concern鈥攊t is a persistent and growing operational challenge. The rapid increase in improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries has introduced an unpredictable element into residential waste streams, creating conditions where fires can ignite quickly and without warning inside collection vehicles.
In response to this evolving risk, the City of Goodyear, AZ, piloted and implemented thermal imaging technology across its collection fleet as a proactive fire detection measure. What began as a safety-focused trial has evolved into a field-tested approach, reinforcing the role of early detection in modern solid waste operations.
The Operational Reality of Battery Fires
Like many agencies, Goodyear has experienced fire incidents that developed with little to no warning. In several cases, drivers only became aware of an issue after visible smoke appeared from the compaction area鈥攂y which point the fire was already established within the load.
These incidents often required emergency dumping of material in the roadway, fire department response, and temporary service disruptions. Beyond immediate safety concerns, each event carried operational, financial, and reputational impacts.
A consistent takeaway emerged: response time matters. Even a delay of one to two minutes can significantly increase the severity of an incident.
Pilot Program Overview
To address this challenge, Goodyear initiated a pilot program equipping select collection vehicles with thermal imaging cameras focused on the hopper area. The goal was straightforward: determine whether real-time heat detection could provide drivers with enough advanced warning to intervene before a fire escalated.
What made this effort unique was the level of collaboration required to bring the concept to life. Solid waste staff worked closely with the Goodyear Fire Department, Fleet Services, and industry partner Seek Thermal to develop a practical, field-ready solution. The concept was inspired by thermal imaging tools already used in structure fire response, but adapting that technology to the harsh and variable environment of a refuse truck required significant innovation.
We ultimately chose to partner with Seek Thermal after reaching out to other thermal imaging companies with our idea and finding that they were either unresponsive or unable to engage at the level we were looking for. Seek Thermal brought a flexible, innovative approach that aligned with our operational needs in solid waste. Our primary focus was developing an early warning system for fires, especially those caused by lithium-ion batteries, which have significantly increased fire risk in recent years. Seek Thermal鈥檚 team has remained highly engaged throughout the process, actively adapting their technology based on real-world data and feedback from our staff and fleet department, making this a true partnership focused on improving safety and advancing the industry.
Through a combination of applied technology and hands-on ingenuity, staff across divisions designed and refined a system capable of performing under daily collection conditions. Fleet Services played a key role in mounting and protecting the equipment, while operators provided critical feedback on usability and visibility in the cab.
From Concept to Validation: Controlled Fire Testing
To validate the concept, Goodyear prioritized controlled testing rather than relying on real-world incidents. In partnership with Seek Thermal, an alpha-stage system was developed and deployed in less than three weeks, featuring multiple thermal cameras and an in-cab alert interface.
Working closely with fire personnel, the team conducted testing in a flashover chamber to safely replicate fire conditions similar to those that could occur in a collection vehicle. Cameras were mounted to simulate real-world placement, including rooftop positioning consistent with field deployment. During testing, the system:
鈥� Detected and tracked fire sources almost immediately upon ignition
鈥� Responded effectively to rapid temperature changes in high-heat environments
鈥� Triggered in-cab alerts within seconds
These results confirmed the system could identify a developing fire significantly faster than a driver could visually recognize a problem, providing both early awareness and positive confirmation.
Photos courtesy of City of Goodyear.
Operational Readiness Through Training
The success of the program was driven not only by technology, but also by preparation. Drivers were actively involved in testing and training, gaining firsthand experience interpreting thermal images and responding to alerts in a controlled environment. This approach ensured operators were confident in:
鈥� Recognizing abnormal heat signatures
鈥� Responding quickly and safely
鈥� Following standardized procedures without hesitation
Rather than relying on reactive response, Goodyear built a proactive safety framework centered on readiness and consistency.
Thermal image captured during controlled testing, showing localized heat concentration within the hopper used to validate system performance. Photos courtesy of City of Goodyear and Seek Thermal.
Field Performance and System Refinement
Following validation, the system was deployed in real-world conditions over a 10-month period. During that time, it operated without any system failures, demonstrating its reliability in the demanding environment of daily collection routes. As the pilot progressed, several refinements were made:
鈥� A protective shroud was developed in-house by Fleet Services to shield roof-mounted cameras from low-hanging branches and overhead obstacles
鈥� The charging system was upgraded to ensure consistent power throughout a full shift
鈥� The in-cab monitor was replaced with a larger, higher-visibility display to improve operator awareness
Field use also helped identify areas for improvement. In some cases, the system detected radiant heat from sources such as hydraulic cylinders and exhaust fumes. While this demonstrated the system鈥檚 high sensitivity, it also highlighted the need for continued software refinement and threshold adjustments to better distinguish between ambient heat and potential fire risks.
Certain materials within the waste stream, such as dense or reflective items, were observed to partially obstruct the camera鈥檚 view. Despite this, the system was still able to detect the convectional heat absorbed by these materials and trigger an immediate alert. While not a critical issue, this illustrates some of the challenges encountered during the early stages of deployment.
In response, Seek Thermal has begun refining the camera design to reduce its profile and improve integration with the vehicle. Additional testing continues, with only minor modifications required so far. Future testing will include complementary equipment to further enhance the thermal imaging technology, making the system even more robust and reliable.
Photos courtesy of City of Goodyear.
Measured Outcomes
While fire incidents are inherently unpredictable, the pilot program produced several clear outcomes:
鈥� Demonstrated system reliability over extended field use with no failures
鈥� Improved operator awareness and confidence in identifying potential hazards
鈥� Validated early detection capabilities through controlled fire testing
鈥� Established consistent response protocols across operators
Although it is difficult to quantify 鈥渇ires prevented,鈥� the program represents a clear shift from reactive response to proactive risk management.
Integrating Technology into Daily Operations
The effectiveness of thermal imaging depends on careful implementation and strong support from both upper management and field operators. Success hinges on understanding the value of detecting a fire before it becomes a safety risk for operators and first responders. Continuous feedback from field staff, along with regular pre- and post-trip equipment inspections, has been crucial to achieving reliable performance.
To enhance safety, handheld thermal devices have been incorporated to detect hot spots after material is dumped, helping determine when it is safe to return it to a trash truck. Combined with thorough operator training, standardized procedures, and ongoing feedback, these measures ensure alert thresholds are continually refined and the system performs effectively in real-world conditions.
Operator feedback has also been very positive. They see it as another practical tool that gives them added confidence when checking material after the fire department has extinguished a fire. This helps to provide an extra layer of confirmation that it is safe to return the material to the truck. The devices are simple to use, do not get in the way of their workflow, and are available when they need them.
Broader Impacts and Industry Interest
Beyond fire prevention, the program has contributed to a stronger safety culture, increased operator engagement, and more consistent service delivery. The innovation has drawn interest beyond Goodyear, with other municipalities exploring the approach. In 2025, SWANA recognized the project with its Innovation Award for enhancing industry safety, underscoring its potential as an affordable, scalable solution for waste management worldwide.
Photos courtesy of City of Goodyear.
Looking Ahead
As lithium-ion battery use continues to grow, the waste industry must adapt to manage the associated risks. Thermal imaging is not a standalone solution, but it represents a meaningful step toward proactive fire prevention.
For the City of Goodyear, what began as a pilot program has evolved into a practical, field-tested approach that enhances safety, protects assets, and supports reliable service delivery. The takeaway is clear: early detection changes outcomes. By identifying heat events before they become visible fires, solid waste agencies can move from reacting to incidents to preventing them altogether. | WA
Adam Kurtz is Solid 黑料网 Superintendent with the City of Goodyear, AZ, specializing in innovative safety solutions, operational efficiency, and public outreach. He has been instrumental in the development of thermal imaging technology in collecting vehicles to address lithium-ion battery fire risks and has been recognized within the industry for advancing proactive safety practices. Adam can be reached at (623) 932-3010 or e-mail [email protected].