BEATRICE, Neb. - Beatrice Fire and Rescue responded late Thursday night to a fire inside the MARS facility at 11th and Standing Bear Trail, after a report of smoke coming from the building.  

Crews were dispatched at 11:31 p.m. and arrived to find smoke escaping from overhead doors in the shop area. Firefighters entered the building and located a trash collection truck fully engulfed in flames. The fire was under control within 10 minutes of the crew arriving on scene. 

Beatrice Fire sent a fire engine, ladder truck, and ambulance, with a total of eight firefighters on scene. Additional agencies assisting included Beatrice Police, Beatrice Public Works, MARS personnel, and Black Hills Energy.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical system failure within the trash truck.

Damage was contained to the vehicle and is estimated at approximately $250,000.

No injuries occurred.