Recycling centre blaze 'probably caused by battery'

A large fire at a recycling site in Derbyshire is believed to have been accidentally caused by a discarded battery.

Several crews were called to the blaze measuring 2,500 square metres at a business in Willshee Way, Swadlincote, at 12:51 BST on Sunday.

They worked overnight to tackle the flames, remaining at the scene until the early hours of Monday.

Following an investigation Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said a discarded lithium ion battery was "most likely" the cause.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "One male casualty suffered smoke inhalation and East Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the scene for support.

"Firefighters provided first aid while waiting for the ambulance."

The fire added that approximately 60 tonnes of waste had been extinguished during the large-scale emergency response.

Large plumes of black smoke could be seen for miles around on Sunday and people in the area were urged to keep their doors and windows closed.

The fire service said worked with the owners of the site who were using equipment to turn over smouldering material so it could be more easily extinguished.

The Environment Agency added on X it was supporting the fire service at the scene at the time.

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