SEVERAL houses have been evacuated due to a fire at a battery recycling facility.
The blaze at the West Byrehill Industrial Estate in Kilwinning was reported shortly before 1.10pm on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Although no injuries have been reported, the emergency services have evacuated several nearby homes as a precaution.
A cordon has been set up and roads in the area have been closed, with diversions in place.
The public has been advised to avoid the area.
North Ayrshire Council has opened Cranberry Moss Community Centre, Cambusdoon Place, Kilwinning, as a rest centre for residents and others who are unable to access their properties.
The fire is believed to be at a battery storage plant, almost a year after a similar incident at the same site.
The blaze has caused significant travel disruption, with North Ayrshire Council confirming the closure of Byrehill Road.
A council spokesperson said: "Byrehill Road in Kilwinning is closed due to an ongoing fire at a recycling centre in Byrehill Place.
"Emergency services are in attendance.
"As a precaution, officers are advising local residents to remain indoors and keep their windows and doors closed as they deal with the incident.
"There is significant travel disruption in and around the Kilwinning area, please avoid this area if you can."
The extent of the damage caused by the explosion is not yet clear, and it is unknown if anyone has been injured.
The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.
"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 has said: "The emergency services are in attendance at a fire at a battery recycling facility in West Byrehill Industrial Estate in Kilwinning which was reported shortly before 1.10pm today, Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
"There are no reports of anyone being injured; however, several houses in the vicinity have been evacuated as a precaution.
"A cordon is in place, and roads in the area have been closed. Diversions are in place and the public is advised that they should avoid the area at this time.
"North Ayrshire Council has opened Cranberry Moss Community Centre, Cambusdoon Place, Kilwinning, KA13 6SL, as a rest centre to accommodate residents and others who are unable to access their properties."
