Crews tackle fire in recycling centre

A number of crews have attended the scene of a fire at a recycling centre in Burslem.

We received a call shortly before 11am this morning (Wednesday 10 July) to reports of a fire at waste-management unit in Sneyd Hill.

In its height, six crews and the aerial ladder platform were used to bring the fire under control.

No one has been reported injured at this time.

A full inspection into the cause is underway, but we believe it may have been caused accidentally by a lithium-ion battery.

Group Manager James Green, said: “Since the fire began this morning, we’ve managed to get it under control and have since scaled back our attendance at the scene.

“While an investigation into the cause of the fire is being carried out, I want to advise people that disposing of batteries inappropriately can not only cause damage to the environment but also increases the risk of fires occurring.

“Incidents such as this present a real challenge to the waste industry and we would urge local businesses and households to ensure that batteries are separated from general waste and disposed of appropriately via one of the many battery recycling schemes in operation.

“The energy density of batteries has increased significantly in recent years as the technology has developed and even the smallest battery has the potential to cause a serious fire.”

For more information on how to use and dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely, visit our website: Lithium-ion batteries (staffordshirefire.gov.uk)