A lithium ion battery is believed to have caused a fire at a recycling centre this morning (Friday 26 September).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said several people called 999 shortly after 7am about a fire at the recycling centre in Sheepcote Valley, Brighton.
The fire service said: “A skip containing electrical items was alight.
“Crews have used breathing apparatus and the aerial ladder platform (ALP) as a water tower.
“The ALP has now left the incident.
“As of 8.50am there are three fire engines and officers at the scene.
“There are no reports of injuries.
“There is considerable smoke in the air and people are asked to avoid the area.
“If you live locally, please keep doors and windows closed.
“Update: As of 9.15am, crews are damping down and turning over the burnt recycling in order to check for hot spots and ensure the fire is fully out.
“Update: A lithium ion battery is believed to have caused the fire which is now out.
“Members of the public are reminder of the importance of properly disposing of batteries.”
One issue is that often items contain lithium batteries that are not removable. Electric toothbrushes and iPads are great examples. In this instance it would seem that the device that contained the battery was placed in the electrical recycling container.
The small electricals container is a large steel container that is the same size as a normal refuse one at Sheepcote, accessible by climbing up the metal steps and dropping the items into the container. This must increase the chances of damaging the battery.
Perhaps the way these things are collected and stored needs to change?
In this instance the public did recycle the battery correctly in line with instructions and facilities provided.
I’ve been told in the past by staff there to throw a lithium battery in the electric skip. So little wonder a fire happened. Badly paid under trained and uninterested staff = Vieola