Lithium-ion Battery Causes Major Fire At Recycling Centre

Published on: 10 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 11 Apr, 2026

The scene from above – firefighters tackle the blaze caused by a lithium-ion battery. Picture: Surrey Fire and Rescue

Firefighters have been tackling a blaze today (Friday) at a recycling business near Fairlands Estate, Guildford.

The fire broke out during the early hours of the morning at John Gunner and Co Waste Management and Recycling, on the Aldershot Road between Guildford and Normandy.

Parts of Aldershot Road were closed in both directions until the fire was put out.

The cause of the fire affecting waste material was said to be a lithium-ion battery.

According to an Internet source, a lithium-ion battery can cause a fire primarily through a chain reaction, when the battery generates more heat than it can safely dissipate.

Lithium-ion batteries are used to power equipment such as e-bikes and electric vehicles and are increasingly linked to fires in workplaces and residential buildings.

Map showing location of fire. Apple maps

Six crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were sent to tackle the fire. At its peak there were 30 firefighters at the scene.

In a statement published by BBC News,  SFRS appealed to people to dispose of batteries correctly to avoid fire. “Use the designated battery drop‑off points at recycling centres,” the statement said.

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