A massive blaze has ripped through a battery plant in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, on April 9, 2025, marking the second fire at the Fenix Battery Recycling plant in just over a year. The fire erupted at approximately 12:42 PM, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and prompting immediate response from emergency services.
Six fire service appliances were dispatched to the scene, located on Byrehill Place, near St Luke’s Primary School. Firefighters are currently working to extinguish the flames while local authorities have urged residents to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors closed to mitigate smoke inhalation.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions, with some describing the scene as resembling a "war zone." Laura Dobbie, a local resident, expressed her fears, stating, "Police have told us people have been hit with flying batteries. I’ve not heard if they’ve been hurt but it’s terrifying. It’s like living in a war zone. People have had their windows smashed with flying batteries." The sight of battery missiles flying from the inferno towards nearby homes has left many residents in shock.
Dot Hamilton, another local, voiced her concerns about the long-term implications of such incidents, remarking, "I think it’s disgusting. It should never have happened. We have to live here. God knows what damage it’s doing long term. Someone has been hit by a battery. It could have been so much worse." Her sentiments reflect the anxiety felt by many in the community.
This latest incident comes almost exactly a year after a significant fire at the same facility, which lasted for four days and required a multi-agency response. During that event, hundreds of residents were evacuated as the fire raged, causing extensive damage and prompting investigations into the plant's safety protocols. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency subsequently revoked Fenix's battery recycler's license following the previous blaze.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) confirmed that, as of now, there have been no reported injuries from the current fire. A spokesperson for the SFRS stated, "We were alerted at 12:42 PM 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."
Police Scotland also released a statement, advising motorists and pedestrians to steer clear of the area while emergency services continue to manage the situation. The police emphasized the importance of public safety and the need for cooperation from the community during this critical time.
Local residents have been sharing footage of the blaze on social media, showcasing the intensity of the flames and the thick smoke that can be seen from miles away. The sight has raised alarms among those living nearby, many of whom are still recovering from the psychological toll of the previous fire.
In response to this ongoing crisis, community leaders are calling for a thorough investigation into the safety measures at the Fenix Battery Recycling plant. Concerns have been raised about the plant's operational protocols and the potential risks posed by storing large quantities of batteries, which can be volatile under certain conditions.
As the fire continues to burn, local authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of residents and to mitigate any further risks. The community remains on high alert as they await updates from emergency services regarding the containment of the blaze.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities living near industrial sites, particularly those dealing with hazardous materials. The repeated occurrences of such fires have sparked discussions about regulatory oversight and the need for stricter safety protocols in the recycling industry.
As firefighters battle the flames, the Kilwinning community is left grappling with the aftermath of another devastating fire. Many residents are left wondering what the future holds for their safety and the operational viability of the Fenix Battery Recycling plant.
In the wake of this fire, it is imperative that local authorities and the Scottish government take decisive action to address the safety concerns surrounding battery recycling facilities. The health and safety of residents must be the top priority, ensuring that lessons are learned from these incidents to prevent future tragedies.
Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels as the situation develops. Emergency services continue to work tirelessly to bring the fire under control and to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
