At 7:38pm on Monday, 29 September, we received reports of a fire on Colthrop Lane in Thatcham.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham Road, Newbury, Hungerford, Mortimer, Ascot, Slough, Langley and Theale fire stations were sent to the scene alongside four Officers.

They 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 & Wiltshire and Hampshire & 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 the Aerial Ladder Platform to fight the fire.

While we have scaled back our resources at the scene, crews are likely to remain in the area throughout the day.  As a precaution, please continue to avoid the area, keep windows closed and stay indoors if possible.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and co-operation.