Firefighters battled a huge inferno involving around 150 tonnes of batteries at a recycling centre overnight.
Thick clouds of black smoke billowed across Thatcham, Berkshire, as loud bangs and explosions were heard into the early hours.
The blaze broke out at a business unit at around 7:30pm on Monday (28 September), as reported by Need To Know.
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Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service urged nearby residents to stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed and avoid the area.
Firefighters from across Berkshire raced to the scene, with crews from Oxfordshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight also called in.
A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews were joined at the scene by the ‘Zetros’ Water Carrier from Bracknell Fire Station, an Incident Command Unit from Maidenhead Fire Station and the Aerial Ladder Platform from Whitley Wood Fire Station.
“Crews from Oxfordshire, Dorset and Wiltshire and Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire and rescue services were also sent to the scene.
“On arrival, crews discovered a large fire in a recycling centre involving approximately 150 tonnes of assorted batteries.”
Firefighters used two hose reel jets, hose reels, a light portable pump, the ‘Zetros’ Water Carrier and an Aerial Ladder Platform to battle the blaze.
Crews were later scaled back but were expected to remain at the scene throughout Tuesday.
The inferno also caused major disruption to rail services on Monday night.
Trains between Reading and Newbury were halted, while services between London Paddington and the West Country were diverted.
Theale station was closed and services between Newbury and Bedwyn were also suspended.
Great Western Railway later said the line reopened late on Monday night, with services running normally again on Tuesday morning.
Nearby roads and businesses were also open as normal.
Newbury Lib Dem MP Lee Dillon described the situation as “concerning”.
He said: “The fire is currently active at the Colthrop Business Park, with reports that it is located at a waste management centre.
“Fire and rescue services are on site and working hard to bring the fire under control.
“Network Rail has informed me that there is currently a 150-metre exclusion zone around the blaze, meaning train services through the area are currently suspended.
“Further updates will be provided as the situation develops, and I will share them here as soon as I receive them.
“If you are in the area, please stay indoors and keep your windows and doors closed.”
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