Fire crew stands down four days after blaze at Kilwinning battery recycling

Emergency services have stood down following a four day response to a fire in Ayrshire.

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.

Hundreds of residents were forced to leave their homes after the surrounding area was evacuated as flames engulfed the recycling centre and firefighters battled the blaze through the night.

Videos showed large plumes of smoke billowing out of the factory, while witnesses reporting hearing blasts.

Loud banging noises were heard by residents who said it “sounded like a terror attack” while material inside exploded.

Emergency services were called to Fenix Battery Recycling on Byrehill Place in Kilwinning just after 10pm on Monday. Alex Turner

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were part of a “multi-agency” response and stayed at the site until Friday before standing down.

Previous warnings urging locals to stay inside, and keep windows and doors shut, have also been lifted by public health authorities.

The multi-agency response included Police Scotland, SFRS, Public Health, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Police said enquiries into the incident are “ongoing” and response teams will continue to meet as the recovery phase gets underway.

It was confirmed that firefighters will carry out regular checks of the site area as standard to ensure the building remains safe.

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.

Mr Lambkin told STV News that he was “incredibly grateful” to the emergency services who continue to work at the scene of the “devastating” fire.