All battery material being removed from recycling plant after second fire

A clean-up operation is being organised at the former Fenix battery recycling facility, North Ayrshire Council have revealed.

The former Fenix battery recycling facility at West Byrehill went up in flames again on April 9.

This came almost exactly one year on from a near identical incident at the same location.

Emergency crews stayed on at the scene for hours before the blaze was put out the following day.

Officers finally left the scene round two days after their initial callout

Following the incident, the council have joined forces with SEPA, the regulatory body which has responsibility for the regulation and enforcement of the site, alongside the landowner, Scottish Fire and Rescue (SFRS), Police Scotland and other partners.

Partners have been liaising with the landowner who recently provided an update regarding the measures in place for the ongoing safety of the site and surrounding area, and on plans regarding the removal and disposal of the battery material.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “The landowner has confirmed that a range of safety measures are now in place, including round-the-clock security, regular thermal imaging and damping of material.

“The landowner has undertaken these measures notwithstanding the batteries remaining the property of Fenix Battery Recycling Ltd and under the control and responsibility of their liquidator.

“We have also been advised that almost all battery material ejected from the site has now been collected with an email address set up by the landowner and details communicated to local residents who can make contact for any remaining material.

“The landowner continues to progress plans with SEPA and other partners regarding the removal of all battery material from the site and disposal at a licensed location.”