Firefighters Combat Recycling Facility Blaze Near Guildford
Early Morning Blaze at Recycling Facility
In the early hours of Friday, firefighters were called to a significant blaze at John Gunner and Co Waste Management and Recycling, located in Fairlands near Guildford. The incident, reported shortly before 03:40 BST, required the response of six crews from the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). At its peak, around 30 firefighters were engaged in battling the flames, which engulfed an area of approximately 30 meters by 30 meters filled with waste materials. Fortunately, the brave response from the firefighters led to the eventual extinguishing of the fire, mitigating its potential effects on the surrounding community.
Cause of the Fire and Safety Precautions
The SFRS attributed the cause of the fire to a lithium-ion battery, highlighting the importance of proper disposal methods for such items. In a statement, they urged residents to utilize designated battery drop-off points at local recycling centers, emphasizing that incorrect disposal could lead to hazardous incidents like the one experienced. This event serves as a reminder about the potential dangers posed by lithium batteries, especially when they are improperly discarded, further underscoring the critical need for community awareness about recycling protocols and fire safety.
Impact on Local Traffic and Community Response
As firefighting efforts continued through the morning, sections of Aldershot Road were closed in both directions to ensure the safety of the responders and the public. Local residents were advised to stay clear of the area and keep windows and doors shut to reduce smoke inhalation risks. Fire officials provided updates throughout the day, assuring the community that by around 15:30 BST, the blaze had been fully extinguished. Emergency services remind residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities regarding the disposal of batteries and other hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: Firefighters tackle blaze at Surrey recycling business
