On 6 July, a fire broke out at a recently opened facility – LiBatt Recycling Ltd, which recycles batteries, including cells from electric vehicles (EVs). The blaze required the efforts of more than 20 firefighters to tackle it. The West Midlands Fire Service reported that approximately half of the LiBatt Recycling Ltd factory in Wolverhampton was affected by smoke damage, according to a report by the BBC.
The fire primarily affected a pallet containing around 130kg (20 stones) of lithium-ion batteries. It ignited after 21:30 BST on Wednesday but was swiftly brought under control within 40 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the plant on Lincoln Street resumed its operations on Thursday without any disruptions, as stated by the company.
The fire was confined to one of the facility’s seven storage bays dedicated to battery storage prior to processing. The remaining six bays were unharmed, and there was no damage to other buildings or the recycling plant. The company commended the effectiveness of its fire safety management protocols, which were confirmed by the emergency services.
Fire engines from Wolverhampton, Bilston, Willenhall, and Dudley were present at the scene to assist in extinguishing the fire. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation by the fire service.
LiBatt Recycling Ltd is part of Recyclus Group, which opened the Wolverhampton site this year.
Source www.bbc.co.uk
