Serious fire at recycling site caused by careless dumped battery
The lithium-ion battery is believed to have ignited around four tonnes of plastic waste
Firefighters tackled a major blaze at a recycling site in High Bullen, near St. Giles in the Wood, after a lithium-ion battery is believed to have ignited around four tonnes of plastic waste.
The fire broke out shortly after 10 am on Tuesday, prompting Fire Control to mobilise crews from Torrington, Bideford, Barnstaple, Appledore, and South Molton. An Environmental Protection Unit, a water carrier, and two supporting officers were also sent to the scene.
On arrival, crews found a large quantity of plastic recycling materials alight inside a single-storey building measuring approximately 30 square metres. Firefighters initially used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, and safety jets to tackle the blaze before calling for further assistance.
By mid-morning, additional fire appliances were requested as crews worked to contain the fire and protect nearby materials, including 15 tonnes of cardboard stored in an adjacent bay. A water shuttle was set up between two hydrants to maintain supply, while decontamination and safety officers coordinated operations on site.
Working alongside facility staff, firefighters removed parts of the building’s structure to reach the heart of the fire. By early afternoon, the blaze was confirmed extinguished.
A forklift and diesel tank were safely removed from the site, though a mechanical grab suffered significant smoke damage. The plastic waste was completely destroyed.
Investigations suggest the fire began when a discarded lithium-ion battery—commonly found in vapes, laptops, and mobile phones—was crushed among recycling materials. Fire services have since issued a public warning about the dangers of improper battery disposal.
A spokesperson said: "The fire is believed to have started from the careless disposal of a single battery lithium-ion battery, which has caused a very impactful fire to an essential service for the area.
"The batteries, often found in products such as vapes, laptops, mobile phones and decorations, can burst into flames when crushed in the back of a truck or at a waste site.
"They must not be put in your general waste bin or recycling bin. Instead, look for special vape and battery bins found in many shops, supermarkets and household waste recycling centres. Some councils also offer kerbside collections."