Emergency services remain at scene of recycling centre blaze

Emergency services remain at the scene of a blaze at a recycling centre in North Ayrshire.

Six fire engines were mobilised following reports of the fire in West Byrehill Industrial Estate, Kilwinning, on Wednesday afternoon.

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

Several nearby houses were earlier evacuated “as a precaution”, but people have now been allowed to return home.

There are no reports of any injuries.

A cordon remains in place and there are still some road closures in the area, but police said Pennyburn Road has now reopened.

People living nearby are being advised to keep their doors and windows shut and vents closed, and not to pick up any batteries or debris in the surrounding area.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service earlier 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.”