Brief
Fire engulfs 150 tonnes of batteries at Berkshire recycling centre
The fire disrupted rail services and prompted warnings about rising battery‑related incidents.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A major fire broke out at the Colthrop Business Park recycling centre in Thatcham, West Berkshire, on Monday evening, involving roughly 150 tonnes of assorted batteries, according to independent.co.uk.
What happened
Emergency services were called at around 7:30 pm. The blaze triggered loud explosions that residents heard into the early hours of Tuesday. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed crews from multiple stations and received reinforcements from neighbouring counties. Specialist appliances, including an Incident Command Unit, an aerial ladder platform and a high‑capacity water carrier, were used to fight the fire throughout the night.
What the reports add
The Independent noted that the incident caused temporary disruption to Great Western Railway services, which resumed normal operations on Tuesday morning. It also quoted a fire service spokesperson warning residents to keep windows closed and stay indoors as crews remain on scene to damp down hotspots.
What was said
Lee Dillon, MP for Newbury, described the situation as “concerning” in a statement reported by the Independent. A fire service spokesperson told the outlet, “While we have scaled back our resources at the scene, crews are likely to remain in the area throughout the day. As a precaution, please continue to avoid the area, keep windows closed and stay indoors if possible.”
How it came about
The fire adds to a growing pattern of battery‑related incidents highlighted by UK fire services, with the London Fire Brigade reporting record numbers of e‑bike and e‑scooter fires in 2023.
Key facts
- The fire involved about 150 tonnes of batteries at a recycling centre in Thatcham, West Berkshire. (independent.co.uk)
- Emergency services were called at around 7:30 pm on Monday. (independent.co.uk)
- Great Western Railway services were disrupted but resumed normal operations on Tuesday morning. (independent.co.uk)
- Lee Dillon, MP for Newbury, called the incident concerning. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Explosions heard as 150 tonnes of batteries catch fire at Berkshire recycling centre”
