A huge fire at a Wiltshire recycling plant may have been caused by incorrectly disposed of batteries, the fire service has said.
Firefighters were initially called to the Grist Environmental Material Recovery Facility on Monument Hill, Stert at 11.10pm on Wednesday (17 November) following reports of the blaze.
Crews found approximately 200-300 tonnes of residual waste well alight and firefighters are expected to remain on scene for several days as they continue to battle the flames.
As of this afternoon (19 November), a high volume pump will be based near the site to provide a better water supply.
While this is in use, temporary traffic lights will be installed on the A342 as the hose lines will need to cross the carriageway. These lights will be in place until the fire is extinguished.
When Damien Bence, a tactical advisor for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, was probed on the cause of the blaze, he told ITV News, batteries are often the culprit.
“Any battery’s got the potential to cause a fire if it short circuits or comes into contact with another material”, he said.
Batteries should be disposed of in specialist recycling containers, not general waste or recycling boxes.
The fire is under investigation and is believed to have started accidentally, although the exact cause may never be established.
