VIDEO: Battery recycling plant explodes for second time in Scotland
A massive fire broke out at the Fenix battery recycling plant in Scotland's Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, on Saturday—exactly one year after a similar blaze devastated the same site.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) dispatched six fire engines around 12:40 PM to battle the flames, which locals described as causing a series of loud explosions. While there were no reported injuries, several nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Thick grey smoke and orange flames could be seen billowing over the site as crews worked to bring the fire under control. Police confirmed that the blaze has since been contained, but a cordon remains in place with some road closures still in effect.
Residents described terrifying scenes. Anne Marie Malcolm, who was about to walk her dogs, said: “I just saw sparks and things flying up. It was so scary... it’s like a movie scene.”
Another resident, Susannah Russell, recounted how her children were left shaken after witnessing the explosions: “My eight-year-old was terrified the war had come to Scotland,” she told BBC Scotland News.
The Scottish Ambulance Service’s special operations team also responded to the fire. Meanwhile, North Ayrshire Council opened a support hub for affected residents at Cranberry Moss Community Centre, urging people to follow advice from authorities.
Environment agency SEPA said it had taken water samples from nearby streams and would continue monitoring the situation. The agency previously revoked the plant’s waste management license in 2023 due to safety concerns, requiring the site to clear waste and implement a fire prevention plan.
Local councillors expressed frustration over the repeat incident. Scott Davidson said he was “disappointed” that the site was once again ablaze, while Todd Ferguson warned: “Last year a site in Kilwinning went up. Today the same site has had multiple explosions and is a raging inferno.”
Authorities have urged residents to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid picking up any debris or batteries from the scene.
