A serious fire that broke out yesterday morning at Bucks Recycling’s waste transfer station at Westcott Venture Park near Aylesbury, is now believed to have been caused by the improper disposal of a disposable vape device, the company has confirmed.
The fire required a significant emergency response, with six fire engines and three officers attending the scene. Crews from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service worked throughout the day to contain the blaze, which continues to smoulder over 24 hours later.
Although there were no injuries reported among staff, contractors, or the public, the fire is producing significant smoke, and residents and businesses in the Westcott area are being advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.
Although no injuries have been reported, the fire has reignited concerns around the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in disposable vapes and other small electronic devices.
In an official statement (below), Bucks Recycling said early investigations suggest a disposable vape may have ignited the fire after being incorrectly placed in general waste.
Fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in disposable vapes and other electronic items, are an increasing issue across the UK. These batteries can ignite when crushed or exposed to heat during waste processing.
Bucks Recycling is calling on the public and businesses to follow proper disposal guidelines, and has shared a helpful blog post on vape disposal originally published in December 2023.
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