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Fire likely caused by dumped lithium battery

Braintree District Council A pile of waste ablaze on the site in Braintree. Orange flames can be seen, and some netting in the foreground.Braintree District Council
The fire on Monday affected 35 tonnes of recycled waste

A large blaze at a recycling centre was likely caused by a used lithium-ion battery, firefighters have said.

The fire affected 35 tonnes of waste at the Cordon's Farm site in Long Green Road, Braintree, on Monday.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service watch manager Darren Hockley said residents must check with their local council how to dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly and "not in a skip or with domestic household waste".

Tom Cunningham, the Conservative cabinet member for environment at Braintree District Council, thanked firefighters for their "swift action".

"This incident serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of taking extra care when disposing of batteries," said Cunningham.

Braintree District Council has details on its website about how to dispose of electrical items.

Braintree District Council Bright yellow and red striped fire engine to the left, with a firefighter next to it and a red hosepipe snaking across the floorBraintree District Council
The fire service said the blaze was most likely caused by a lithium-ion battery

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