Frequently asked questions
Emergency services remain on the scene of a large fire at a battery recycling unit in Byrehill Place, Kilwinning.
To keep everyone safe, we are urging residents of West Byrehill housing development to stay indoors as much as possible and to keep windows and doors closed at this time.
What to do if you feel unwell?
If you feel unwell, please contact your GP or call NHS 24 on 111.
What symptoms might I experience?
Symptoms might include:
- Irritation of the eyes, conjunctivitis
- Sore throat, cough, tightness of chest
- Headaches
Is the fire out?
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are on scene. Currently, smoke has reduced, and the fire is under control.
For more updates from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, please visit their website – www.firescotland.gov.uk
What can happen if I breathe the smoke?
Smoke may irritate air passages, skin and eyes. This could result in coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. For those residents with pre-existing heart and repository conditions, such as asthma please make sure you carry any necessary medication or inhalers at all times. Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen, by contacting their GP or NHS 24.
Can I walk around the affected area?
The advice for residents continues to be stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors closed.
If you must leave your home, the safest way to do this is to leave in a vehicle, keeping windows and vents closed.
If walking, please avoid the smoke as much as possible, for example walking in an alternative direction to the smoke.
Can I go to work?
Our advice remains to stay indoors if possible.
If you must leave your home to go to work, the safest way to do this is to leave in a vehicle, keeping windows and vents closed. If walking or using public transport, we advise that you walk in an area away from the smoke as much as possible.
Can I walk my dog?
The advice for residents continues to be stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors closed.
If you must leave your home to walk your pet, the safest way to do this is to leave in a vehicle, keeping windows and vents closed and walk in an area away from the smoke.
If walking in the affected area, please avoid the smoke as much as possible, for example walking in an alternative direction to the smoke.
Can I drive through the smoke?
We advise that motorists keep their windows and vents closed. If you live nearby and have a car, drive to your front door and park as close to your front door as possible.
How long will I need to stay indoors for?
The situation is continually changing and you will be updated on a regular basis.
Currently, the advice remains to stay indoors. Please look out for further updates and messages via emergency services, Cunninghame Housing Association or North Ayrshire Council.
Can I pick up batteries that are lying about my garden?
Advice is currently not to touch or pick up any batteries or fire debris from your garden, driveway or surrounding areas to your property.
Further advice on the appropriate and safe collection and disposal of any fire debris, including batteries will be provided by North Ayrshire Council in due course.
Can I drink my water?
Scottish Water advise that if your water is discoloured, run your cold water tap for 10 to 15 minutes or until it runs clear. If you have any concerns about your water quality, please contact Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778.
Please continue to monitor for regular updates via emergency services, Cunninghame Housing Association, Scottish Fire & Rescue, and North Ayrshire Council.