Firefighters tackle blaze caused by lithium battery

Firefighters have tackled a blaze at a recycling business that broke out in the early hours of the morning.

Six crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were sent to John Gunner and Co Waste Management and Recycling on Aldershot Road in Fairlands, near Guildford, shortly before 03:40 BST.

A spokesperson said at its peak 30 firefighters had been at the scene, though it was now under control and had started to be scaled back.

SFRS said the cause of the fire - which involved around 30m x 30m of waste - was a lithium-ion battery.

"Please dispose of your batteries correctly to avoid these types of fires," said the service in a statement.

"Use the designated battery drop‑off points at recycling centres."

In an update published just after 14:00, SFRS said four fire engines and two water carriers remained at the scene.

It added they would stay there for a few more hours.

Parts of Aldershot Road were closed in both directions on Friday.

"If you live nearby, please continue to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut," added SFRS.

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