People evacuated from houses amid fire at recycling centre

People have been evacuated from a number of houses following a large blaze at a recycling centre in North Ayrshire.

Six fire engines were at the scene of the blaze in West Byrehill Industrial Estate, Kilwinning, on Wednesday afternoon.

Huge plumes of smoke have been seen billowing from Fenix Battery Recycling, a year after a fire at the site in April 2024.

Police Scotland said there are no reports of any injuries but that several nearby houses have been evacuated “as a precaution”.

North Ayrshire Council has opened Cranberry Moss Community Centre on Cambusdoon Place as a rest centre for residents and others who are unable to access their properties.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has also asked neighbours to keep their doors and windows closed.

A spokesperson for SFRS said: “We were alerted at 12.42pm on Wednesday to reports of a large fire within a recycling centre on Byrehill Place, Kilwinning.

“Operations control has mobilised six fire appliances to the scene and firefighters are working to extinguish the flames.

“There are currently no reported casualties.

“As a precaution, members of the public are being asked to avoid the area and close windows and doors if affected by smoke.”

A police cordon is in place and roads in the area have been closed, with members of the public being advised to avoid the area at this time.