OPERATORS of a metal recycling plant close to East Tilbury have thanked the fire service and apologised to local residents for the second major fire on the site in 34 days.

On Tuesday evening a second blaze broke out at the EMR site near East Tilbury, following the fire on 30 October.

A statement from EMR says: "Our team responded swiftly on both occasions, activating our on-site emergency protocols and immediately notifying the fire service. Working closely together, our team and the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service brought the incident under control quickly and safely. 

"We would like to thank the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for their rapid response and continued support. 

"We are pleased to report that no injuries were sustained, and there has been no structural damage to the site or equipment. 

Workers used equipment to help firefighters get access to the blaze on Tuesday.

"Initial investigations suggest that a lithium-ion battery was once again the cause of the fire. Lithium-ion batteries are now one of the most significant and fast-growing fire risks facing the recycling and waste sector, contributing to more than 1,000 waste-industry fires in the UK every year.

"Despite stringent quality assurance measures across the sector, the improper disposal of these batteries poses a severe and escalating threat to recycling operations nationally and globally. 

"This trend is not unique to our site — it is a sector-wide and global issue.

"We remain committed to working closely with our customers, partners, and battery manufacturers to reduce the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

"We continue to invest heavily in public education and awareness campaigns to support the safe disposal and recycling of these items, helping to prevent incidents and protect people, businesses, and the environment.

"We also engage proactively with industry bodies and operators across the UK and internationally to address this growing challenge collectively. 

"We would like to apologise to the local community, neighbouring businesses, and our customers for any inconvenience caused.

"Safety remains our highest priority — for our colleagues, our communities, and the environment — as we continue to ensure that metal recycling plays a vital role in building a safe, sustainable, circular economy."