Explosions heard as 150 tonnes of batteries catch fire at Berkshire recycling centre

A major blaze erupted at a recycling centre in Thatcham overnight, involving approximately 150 tonnes of assorted batteries – triggering loud explosions across the area.

Emergency services were called to the scene at Colthrop Business Park, near Thatcham in West Berkshire, at around 7:30pm on Monday evening.

A massive emergency response saw Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service deploy crews from Wokingham Road, Newbury, Hungerford, Mortimer, Ascot, Slough, Langley, and Theale, supported by four senior officers.

Reinforcements from neighbouring Oxfordshire, Dorset & Wiltshire, and Hampshire & Isle of Wight fire services also joined the effort as the fire raged through the night.

Specialist appliances, including an Incident Command Unit from Maidenhead, an Aerial Ladder Platform from Whitley Wood, and a high-capacity 'Zetros' Water Carrier from Bracknell, were brought in to tackle the flames.

Local residents reported hearing a series of loud bangs throughout the evening and into the early hours of Tuesday morning, prompting widespread alarm across social media.

“Sounded like fireworks, but could only see the smoke,” one local resident posted during the incident.

Although emergency teams have scaled back resources, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews are expected to remain on scene throughout Tuesday to damp down hotspots.

In a statement issued this morning, the fire service warned local residents to remain vigilant amid lingering smoke.

"While we have scaled back our resources at the scene, crews are likely to remain in the area throughout the day," a spokesperson said. "As a precaution, please continue to avoid the area, keep windows closed and stay indoors if possible."

The proximity of the fire caused heavy disruption to rail services on Monday night, though Great Western Railway has since confirmed that trains resumed normal operations on Tuesday morning.

Lee Dillon, the MP for Newbury, described the situation as "concerning" as damping-down operations continue.

“Thank you to everyone for their patience while we deal with a fire in the area of Colthrop Lane, Thatcham,” the service said.

The incident comes amidst growing warnings from emergency services over the rapid rise in battery-related fires.

According to the London Fire Brigade, lithium-ion battery fires have become the capital's fastest-growing cause of fires, with crews attending a record 155 e-bike and 28 e-scooter blazes in 2023 alone – a 60 per cent surge compared to the previous year.