A major fire broke out at the Fenix Battery Recycling plant in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at around 12:42 PM, sending plumes of smoke and debris into the air and prompting emergency services to respond swiftly to the scene.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) dispatched six fire appliances to tackle the blaze, which erupted near St Luke’s Primary School. Residents reported hearing loud explosions, with one local describing the initial blast as akin to a "terrorist attack." The explosions were so powerful that they could be heard in surrounding towns, causing panic among residents.
Local resident Marj Agnew shared her harrowing experience, stating, "It’s sheer panic and terror. I was out the back door hanging a washing out, and I just heard a giant bang. It sounded like it was a terrorist attack. That’s how loud it was, it was terrible." She expressed concern over the toxic fumes in the air, noting that emergency responders were seen in hazard suits.
As the fire raged, North Ayrshire Council took immediate action, opening the Cranberry Moss Community Centre as a rest center for those displaced by the fire. Several houses in the vicinity were evacuated as a precaution, and residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed to avoid exposure to smoke.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed, "We were alerted at 12:42 PM 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." Police Scotland echoed these sentiments, urging motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
This incident marks a troubling recurrence for Fenix Battery Recycling, as it comes exactly one year after a previous fire at the same site that lasted four days. During that incident, approximately 40 firefighters battled the flames, and concerns were raised about the exposure of emergency personnel to hazardous fumes.
Last September, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) took action against Fenix Battery Recycling, revoking its waste management license due to non-compliance with safety regulations. The agency had previously issued two enforcement notices requiring the company to remove waste batteries that had been on the site for longer than six months. SEPA's chief operating officer, Lin Bunten, stated, "The package of enforcement action we have set out is in response to a significant incident and designed to protect the environment and communities in the area surrounding the Fenix Battery Recycling Ltd site in Kilwinning."
Despite these measures, the site has again become the center of a dangerous situation. Local councillors expressed their disappointment over the recurrence of such incidents. Councillor Scott Davidson stated, "I am disappointed that the remains of the factory were well alight again," while fellow councillor Todd Ferguson emphasized the ongoing risks associated with battery recycling and storage, noting, "Last year a site in Kilwinning went up. Today the same site has had multiple explosions and is a raging inferno."
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one local man likening the fire to an "erupting volcano," as flames of unusual colors shot into the air and debris flew from the blaze. Ryan Wallace, a resident whose home overlooks the recycling center, remarked, "The heat from the fire is really bad. The flames are a strange blue, green color and missiles are flying out of the blaze all over the place."
As the fire continued to burn, the community remained on high alert. The SFRS reported that they were working diligently to extinguish the flames, while local authorities monitored the situation closely. The council's spokesperson reiterated the importance of public safety, urging residents to heed warnings and follow the guidance of emergency services.
In the aftermath of the fire, the community is left grappling with the implications of repeated incidents at the Fenix Battery Recycling plant. With a history of safety violations and environmental concerns, many residents are calling for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent future disasters.
As of now, the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to this alarming event. The local community is rallying together, seeking support and assistance as they navigate the aftermath of the fire.
In conclusion, the fire at Fenix Battery Recycling serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with battery recycling operations, especially in residential areas. As the community reflects on this incident, there is a growing call for accountability and action to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in Kilwinning.
