September 14, 2018 10.28 am This story is over 76 months old

Batteries caused major waste plant fire

Investigations are still ongoing
Harry Parkhill ‏ The fire service at the scene of the fire at a recycling plant in Ancaster. Photo: Harry Parkhill/BBC Radio Lincolnshire

A lithium battery from within kerbside recycling waste received by Mid UK Recycling is believed to be the cause of the fire at its Barkston Heath MRF facility.

As previously reported, waste materials caught alight overnight at Mid UK Recycling at High Dyke, Ancaster and emergency services were called out at around 1.30am on Friday, September 14.

A major incident declared in the early hours has now been lifted, however a number of road closures and restrictions will affect traffic for much of the day.

South Kesteven District Council tweeted this morning that the A153 and B6403 near Ancaster were both closed and residents worried about smoke were urged to keep doors and windows closed.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have received additional support from police, the ambulance service, Red Cross, and local authorities.

The Environment Agency also has officers on site supporting the crews from Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue. They are monitoring run-off from the site to prevent pollution.

A spokesperson for Mid UK Recycling said: “At the moment we believe the fire started on a waste processing line. We believe the cause may have been a lithium battery which has come in within the kerbside recycling materials we receive, but a full investigation will be carried out in due course.

“The fire was contained within our MRF. No stored waste materials were affected and, due to the fire breaks we have in place, the fire did not spread to any other units.

“The fire service has been working throughout the night to bring the fire under control. Our immediate concern is with regards to the impact this incident has had on local residents and we would like to apologise to everyone who has been affected overnight and this morning.

“We will be working closely with the fire service to determine the cause and any lessons that can be learned going forward.”

This is not the first fire at the company as Mid UK Recycling were previously fined £100,000 after admitting breach of environmental and planning regulations following a serious fire at its premises.