Northolt Recycling Centre Fire Blamed on Lithium Battery
Fire Brigade reissues advice on appropriate disposal methods
Four crews were sent to the blaze on Civic Way. Picture: London Fire Brigade
October 30, 2024
London Fire Brigade has reissued lithium battery safety advice following a fire at a waste recycling centre on Civic Way in Northolt this Monday (28 October).
The first call about the fire was received at 11pm and four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Northolt, Harrow and Ruislip fire stations were sent to the scene. It took an hour and 45 minutes before the blaze was under control.
Around 60 tonnes of mixed household waste were damaged by the fire which investigators believe was caused by a battery. There were no reports of any injuries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, "Lithium-ion battery fires are a major risk. We’ve seen a growing number of fires at waste disposal sites that are believed to have been caused by a lithium battery.
"Although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged. Lithium-ion battery fires can be ferocious and can spread in seconds. Fires that we attend at sites like recycling centres and scrap yards can be very time consuming for our firefighters and often require a high level of resources to put the fire out. We’ve also seen the detrimental environmental and societal impact these fires can have on local communities.
"Lithium batteries and electricals with hidden lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in the same bins as your regular rubbish or recycling. Instead, check with the retailer or your local authority's website for the safest way to dispose of lithium-ion batteries in your area and reduce the risk of fires occurring."
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