Second Battery Plant Fire Rekindles Safety Concerns At Recycling Business
A large fire at a battery recycling facility in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire has reignited urgent questions over fire safety compliance and the handling of hazardous waste materials. While no injuries were reported, the incident caused widespread disruption and led to precautionary evacuations.
The fire broke out on 9 April 2025 at a licenced Battery Recycling site on Byrehill Place, exactly one year after a similar blaze occurred at the same location. Six appliances from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were dispatched following reports of multiple explosions and thick smoke billowing into the air.
Local residents described chaotic scenes, with one witness comparing it to a “movie scene” due to visible debris, scattered battery fragments, and exposed cables. Police Scotland urged the public to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid handling any debris. Although emergency services responded swiftly and no casualties were reported, the intensity of the blaze, marked by repeated explosions, has reignited serious concerns over risk management at facilities handling volatile waste.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Scottish Ambulance Service’s special operations team also attended the scene. SEPA confirmed it had taken water samples from nearby watercourses and would continue monitoring environmental impacts.
This incident comes months after SEPA revoked the operators waste management licence in September 2024 due to persistent non-compliance. At the time, the agency issued an “enhanced package of enforcement action,” requiring the company to remove unauthorised waste, repair damaged infrastructure, and implement a fire prevention and mitigation plan by June 2025. The recurrence of such a serious incident has prompted renewed frustration among local councillors, who continue to raise concerns over safety standards in the battery recycling sector.
A joint investigation by Police Scotland and SFRS is now underway to determine the cause of the fire. This latest fire highlights the critical need for stringent enforcement of fire prevention measures, particularly at facilities managing hazardous or combustible materials. Battery related fires are becoming a weekly commonplace occurrence across all spectrums of society be it vehicles, tools, mobile devices, computer equipment, bikes and other products. They are now so widespread that they should form part of your fire risk assessment process. Here’s a more detailed list:
Consumer Electronics:
- Smartphones
- Laptops and tablets
- Digital cameras
- E-readers
- Bluetooth headphones and headsets
- Headlamps
- Musical instruments
- Gaming devices
Transportation:
- Electric vehicles (cars, trucks, buses)
- E-bikes and e-scooters
- Power tools (drill, saws, grinders)
- Drones
- Remote control toys
- Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs
Other:
- Medical devices (pacemakers, some portable medical equipment)
- Power banks and portable chargers
- Toothbrushes and other personal care devices
- Toys
- E-cigarettes
- Construction equipment
Why Lithium Batteries are Popular:
- High energy density – They can store a lot of energy in a small package
- Lightweight – They are relatively light compared to other battery types
- Rechargeable – They can be recharged multiple times, making them convenient for portable devices
- Longer lifespan – They tend to last longer than some other battery chemistries
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