A MASSIVE fire has taken hold at a battery storage plant in Kilwinning almost exactly a year after a huge blaze at the same site.
Video footage has captured large plumes of smoke billowing over the Byrehill Place area - near a new housing development and next to the town's ambulance station - on Wednesday afternoon (April 9).
Loud banging sounds can also be heard with some residents in nearby Stevenston describing the noise as "like bombs going off".
Police Scotland said: "Emergency services are in attendance at a fire in West Byrehill Industrial Estate, Kilwinning.
"Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area.
"Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is advising people in nearby houses to keep windows and doors closed."
The fire appears to have started in the same area of Kilwinning as a massive blaze last year.
Almost exactly one year ago, April 8, 2024, a multi-agency response was required following a fire impacting the Fenix battery recycling plant on Byrehill Place.
Emergency crews remained in place at the scene for close to four days before being stood down.
At the time, those living in the surrounding area were told to keep windows and doors closed in the interest of safety.
Fenix then had its battery recycler's license revoked by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Adjacent roads were shut and at its peak, 40 firefighters tackled the blaze.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Scottish Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.
