Overview
- A large fire tore through the Everite Road recycling warehouse on Monday, June 22, producing huge black smoke, audible explosions and ash that fell across Merseyside and Cheshire.
- Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service announced on June 29 that its investigation found the blaze was accidentally started by a damaged lithium‑ion battery, most likely from a disposable vape, which generated intense heat and ignited nearby cardboard.
- Fire crews declared a major incident and used about 20 engines plus mutual aid, a high‑volume pump and a foam tanker while fighting the fire from outside because the building risked collapse.
- Initial on‑scene estimates of around 700 tonnes involved were revised after checks; investigators now say roughly 450 tonnes of the facility's ≈550 tonnes of stored waste were affected and no injuries were reported.
- Authorities warned that discarded lithium‑ion batteries pose a growing hazard in homes, transport and recycling sites and urged safe disposal practices to reduce the risk of similar fires.