STV NewsThe chief executive of a battery recycling company has apologised to residents after its Ayrshire plant went up in flames.
Around 40 firefighters, six fire engines and a height appliance were sent to Fenix Battery Recycling on Byrehill Place in Kilwinning on Monday around 10pm after a fire broke out.
The incident remains ongoing with a warning in place for locals to stay indoors with their windows closed while crews attempt to gain access to the site and bring the fire to a “conclusion”.
CEO of Fenix Battery Recycling, Damian Lambkin, apologised to the local community after hundreds were forced to evacuate their homes after the fire broke out.
STV NewsMr Lambkin told STV News that he was “incredibly grateful” to the emergency services who continue to work at the scene of the “devastating” fire.
There have been no reports of injuries due to the incident, which the CEO said was a “massive relief”.
The latest updates from the SFRS urged residents not to “be alarmed” if they noticed an increase in smoke as firefighters continue to work on the site.
Mr Lambkin said that the company was fully cooperating with authorities investigating the fire, and said that a “plethora” of different things could be responsible.
“It’s hard to say what happened, the investigation is in its infancy and they are still trying to put the fire out,” he said.
The CEO added that the company is “highly” regulated by SEPA and has multiple audits every other week to ensure that “every safety protocol we could take is taken”.
Following the fire, some residents in the area told STV News that the hub had always been a “worry” and was an “accident waiting to happen”.
Mr Lambkin responded to the claims reiterating that every safety precaution was taken and adding that the housing estate was “built around the original battery recycling centre that was managed by a different company previously”.
Alex TurnerThe company is hopeful that it will be able to rebuild the recycling hub with the CEO confirming that they are in talks with the landlord.
“The landlord is going to have his insurance assessment team come in. As far as we’re aware it’s get the fire out, get it rebuilt and back to working,” he said.
A spokesperson for the SFRS said that crew members were working to bring the incident to a conclusion adding that although there may be smoke, the fire within the site will remain “under control”.
The fire service reiterated previous warnings for residents to stay indoors and keep their windows closed as a precaution.
Hundreds of residents were forced to leave their homes after the surrounding area was evacuated.
Loud banging noises were heard by residents who said it “sounded like a terror attack” while material inside exploded.
Videos showed large plumes of smoke billowing out of the factory, while witnesses reporting hearing blasts.
Area commander Ian McMeekin, local senior officer for East, North and South Ayrshire said: “Currently, the smoke plume has reduced, and the fire is under control.
“The increased activity from 2pm onwards will allow fire crew and partners to gain access to the site to bring the incident to a conclusion.
“Residents may notice an increase in activity while we work to gain access to the site. Do not be alarmed if you see an increase in smoke. The fire within the site will remain under control as we work to bring the incident to a conclusion.
“We urge residents to remain at home with windows and doors shut. If travelling through smoke, motorists should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.
“We continue to work with the recycling centre and partner agencies to minimise the disruption to the local community and will continue to provide updates.”
Two appliances and one height vehicle currently remain at the scene.
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