A FIRE at a battery recycling centre in North Ayrshire has been deemed “non-suspicious”, police have confirmed.
Huge plumes of smoke were seen billowing from Fenix Battery Recycling at West Byrehill Industrial Estate in Kilwinning on Wednesday afternoon, a year after a fire at the same site in April 2024.
Six fire engines were mobilised when the alarm was raised at 12.42pm, and several nearby houses were evacuated “as a precaution” – but residents have since been allowed to return home.
A joint investigation into the cause of the fire was carried out by Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and the blaze has been deemed “non-suspicious”.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Police have confirmed that emergency services have been stood down from the area, but that people living nearby are advised to follow guidance from NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Public Health team to keep windows and doors shut and vents closed.
Locals are also being advised not to pick up any batteries or debris in the surrounding area, and to report any items and their location to SEED Environmental Ltd by emailing kilwinning@seedenvironmental.co.uk.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Following a joint investigation between Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the fire at a battery recycling facility in West Byrehill Industrial Estate, Kilwinning, has been deemed as non-suspicious.
“Emergency services are being stood down from the area.
“Residents living in the vicinity of the industrial estate are thanked for their co-operation and are reminded of the guidance from NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Public Health team to continue to keep windows and doors shut and vents closed.
“Locals are also advised not to pick up any batteries or debris from the surrounding area. Please report items and their location to SEED Environmental Ltd on the following email address: kilwinning@seedenvironmental.co.uk.”
