The challenges from battery recycling fires

In a worrying trend, Scotland has seen two major fires at battery recycling centres within a span of three months with a further fire near Halifax in a battery recycling facility highlighting the growing risks associated with the handling and storage of lithium-ion batteries. The incidents, which required a multi-agency response in two cases over a number of days, shows the complex and protracted nature of waste fires and the additional risks and challenges extinguishing this type of incident.

A fire at the Enva WEEE Solutions plant in Linwood on 23^rd June required a huge response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) with ten appliances, 90 firefighters and specialist equipment needed to tackle the blaze. It followed a similar fire at the Fenix Battery Recycling Plant in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, on 8^th April. Both incidents drew attention due to their proximity to residential areas. These two larger events were followed by an event on Stainland Road near Halifax on the 15^th July which saw another battery recycling plant fire. This time six appliances from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services using ground monitors were needed to contain the incident.

In each case, police and other agencies, advised nearby residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure due to toxic and hazardous fumes. In the case of the fires in Scotland, Scottish Water and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency adopted several measures to minimise the impact of pollution to the local environment.

The increasing use of batteries in everyday devices has led to a rise in battery waste, creating new challenges for recycling facilities. The risk of thermal runaway in damaged or improperly handled lithium-ion batteries can ignite other combustibles and lead to rapid fire spread, making early intervention crucial.

While sprinkler systems cannot extinguish a battery in thermal runaway, they can play a vital role in containing the spread of fire. It’s important to note that sprinklers can respond earlier than fire service intervention, cooling the area and limiting fire spread until further measures can be taken.

The incidents have led to discussions about the adequacy of current fire safety measures in recycling plants. Fire safety experts are calling for improved safety protocols and the implementation of advanced fire suppression systems to mitigate the risks associated with battery recycling.

A report from the Environmental Services Association found that lithium-ion batteries were responsible for around 48% (around 200) of all waste fires occurring in the UK each year and costing some £158m annually.

The waste and recycling sector continues to be typified by large fire incidents, the extensive resources required for containment and the generation of high volumes of smoke and contaminants. Furthermore, fire water run-off requires monitoring by the relevant agency and there is the environmental impact of disposing of the damaged properties and the costs, resources and materials required to repair and rebuild them.

Preventing large costly fires is possible through a combination of strategies. One of the most effective strategies to contain such incidents is the use of automatic sprinkler systems aiding the Fire and Rescue Service when they arrive. They can therefore minimise the wider impact of fires, reducing costs to business and the economy as a whole. Importantly, by limiting any fire damage, they allow businesses to resume operations quickly, often within hours of the incident. This effectiveness was demonstrated by a fire at a Biffa waste site in Irlam in January 2021 where fire sprinklers fitted at the site activated, quickly putting the fire out and minimising the damage and disruption caused as a result of the incident.

For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org