Firefighters work overnight at scene of recycling centre blaze
Firefighters have worked through the night at a blaze at a battery recycling centre which broke out a year after another fire there, with an investigation launched.
Six fire engines went to the scene in West Byrehill Industrial Estate in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, when the alarm was raised at 12.42pm on Wednesday.
Several nearby houses were evacuated “as a precaution”, but people were later allowed to return home.
Huge plumes of smoke were seen billowing from Fenix Battery Recycling, a year after a fire at the site in April 2024.
A fire appliance remained at the site throughout the night and a fire engine was still there at 6.30am on Thursday morning.
People living nearby are being advised to be keep windows and doors shut and vents closed, and not to pick up any batteries or debris in the surrounding area.
There are no reports of any injuries.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) was involved in the response to the incident.
A spokesperson said: “Sepa officers are working closely with partner agencies, have attended the site to take samples from nearby watercourses and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We appreciate that this matter will concern local residents and businesses, and we would urge everyone to follow the advice issued by public partners.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “All roads have reopened following a fire at a battery recycling facility in West Byrehill Industrial Estate in Kilwinning.
“There were no reports of any injuries and an emergency service presence remains at the scene.
“A joint Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service investigation to establish the cause of the fire is under way.
“Residents living in the vicinity of the industrial estate are thanked for their co-operation, however they continue to be advised that they should keep windows and doors shut and vents closed. Locals are also advised not to pick up any batteries or debris in the surrounding area.”
