Goodyear recognized for fire detection program

The city of Goodyear’s Public Works Department has received a national award for its pilot program using thermal imaging cameras to detect fires in garbage trucks.

“Innovation is one of Goodyear’s core values,” said Public Works Director Sumeet Mohan. “I am very proud of our Solid Waste and Fleet Maintenance divisions that collaborated on creating and developing this innovative system.”

The Solid Waste Association of North America named Goodyear the winner of its 2025 Best Safety Innovation Award, recognizing the city’s efforts to address a rise in trash truck fires caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries.

Fires in refuse trucks can ignite quickly and spread rapidly, posing risks to drivers, first responders and nearby communities.

In response, Goodyear partnered with thermal imaging company Seek Thermal to develop a system that monitors temperatures inside the truck’s hopper, the area where garbage is compacted. If temperatures reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit, an in-cab alarm alerts the driver to take precautionary action.

City officials said the early warning system gives drivers time to safely unload potentially hazardous materials away from residential areas, reducing the risk of injury and limiting damage to vehicles.

“This award is a testament to the bold vision and innovative problem solving from our city employees,” said City Manager Wynette Reed. “By tackling a growing challenge with forward thinking solutions, the city is not only serving our residents at the highest levels but also setting a standard for the rest of the country to follow.”

Goodyear is the first city in the U.S. to test this specific use of thermal imaging technology on solid waste trucks. The pilot program involved collaboration among the city’s solid waste, fire, and fleet maintenance departments.

Visit goodyearaz.gov/hhw for  information.