Crompton Road, Ilkeston - Fire Investigation Outcome

An investigation into the cause of a fire at a recycling centre on Crompton Road in Ilkeston has determined the most likely cause to be a discarded battery left in the recycling waste.

Emergency services were called to the incident at the Crompton Road recycling centre, Ilkeston at 20:23 hours on Tuesday 15 April. Derbyshire firefighters from Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Ascot Drive, Notts Road, Heanor, Clay Cross, Melbourne, Alfreton, Belper, Long Eaton, Chesterfield, Crich, and Wirksworth attended. They were assisted by Nottinghamshire’s Eastwood, Stockhill, Ashfield, and Edwinstowe, and Staffordshire’s Burton On Trent stations.

Crews worked hard through the night using eight fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, and high-volume pumps to extinguish the fire and prevent its spread.

Firefighters left the scene at 07:37 hours today (Wednesday 16 April) and returned at 12:00 hours to reinspect the premises.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind everyone of the importance of safely disposing of batteries.

To reduce the risk of fire, please follow our simple advice: 

• There are risks if Lithium-ion batteries are not disposed of correctly.
• Proper disposal avoids damage or puncture by heavy machinery during transport or processing which may lead to fires.
• If a battery looks to be damaged, cease using it immediately. Signs of battery damage could include swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating, strong odours, colour change, extreme heat, change in shape, or unusual sounds (e.g popping or hissing).  
• Be sure to dispose of the battery in the correct manner if you see any signs of damage. The link below will detail where to dispose of lithium batteries responsibly in your area: 

Recycling batteries - Derbyshire County Council

• If a lithium battery should ever be emitting something that looks like smoke please call the fire service immediately, this is a highly flammable vapour cloud.
• Do not touch leaking or damaged batteries without the use of the correct PPE and clean up any spilled material carefully. If safe to do so remove the device away from anything that can catch fire for example move outside 3 metres from your building. 

For more fire safety advice and information, please visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk.