MILFORD, Conn. -- A Department of Public Works garbage truck picked up what a hazardous substance during its route in the Meadowside Road and Seemans Lane area.

Crew members said that, during the pickup, they saw white smoke coming from a garbage bag and a green glass bottle. This intensified until a fire erupted, they said.

The crew quickly emptied the garbage onto Seemans Lane, authorities said, then the crew called 911 to inform the fire department of the situation.

The Milford Fire Department 911 Center received the phone call and dispatched engines 1 and 3.

Engine 3 crew members said they found a moderate amount of fire burning in the trash pile when they arrived. Fire personnel quickly extinguished the fire and were informed of the initial problem., authorities said.

This call was upgraded to a hazardous materials incident.

The Department of Environmental Protection was notified and responded.

Hazardous material technicians using "chemical classifier" spill strips and pH paper were able to determine that the substance was an oxidizer. This information, as well as the information obtained from the public works personnel, revealed that this oxidizer was picked up during trash removal. When it was compacted, they said, it created a chemical reaction that produced heat.

Fire officials strongly urge residents not to place hazardous substances inside the normal garbage pickup. Multiple chemicals that come in contact with each other can create hazardous reactions that could create fire or cause injury to public works personnel.

If a resident has a question concerning proper removal of hazardous materials, they can call the Milford Fire-Rescue Department and ask to speak to the hazardous materials officer at 203-878-5991.