FIRE AT THATCHAM RECYCLING CENTRE INVOLVES 150 TONNES OF BATTERIES

A large fire broke out overnight at a recycling centre in Colthrop Business Park, near Thatcham in West Berkshire, according to Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. The blaze, which involved approximately 150 tonnes of assorted batteries, triggered loud explosions in the area, the service said. Emergency crews were called to the scene at around 7:30pm on Monday evening. Fire engines were deployed from stations including Wokingham Road, Newbury, Hungerford, Mortimer, Ascot, Slough, Langley and Theale, supported by four senior officers, the fire service said. Crews from neighbouring Oxfordshire, Dorset & Wiltshire, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight fire services also joined the response as the fire continued through the night.

Specialist equipment brought to the scene included an Incident Command Unit from Maidenhead, an Aerial Ladder Platform from Whitley Wood and a high-capacity Zetros water carrier from Bracknell, according to the fire service. Local residents reported hearing repeated loud bangs through the evening and into the early hours of Tuesday, with one resident describing the noise as sounding "like fireworks" while only smoke was visible. The reports prompted widespread discussion on social media, according to local accounts. One other outlet reported that train services were also cancelled as a result of the fire.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday morning that resources at the scene had been scaled back, but that crews were expected to remain in the area throughout the day to dampen down hotspots. A spokesperson said crews were likely to remain on site despite the reduction in resources. The service urged local residents to remain vigilant because of lingering smoke in the area. No further details on injuries or the cause of the fire were given in the fire service's statement.