Vapes warning after recycling centre fires

The blaze at the centre in Maryport was blamed on a vape or battery

People have been warned to get rid of hazardous items sensibly following fires at two recycling centres.

Cumberland Council said batteries or vapes were believed to have caused the recent blazes at Bousteads and Maryport, in Cumbria.

They were quickly extinguished but it meant the sites had to be evacuated and the council warned the fires could have been much worse.

The local authority has reminded residents such items should never be put in general kerbside waste bins, but disposed of at designated recycling points.

A separate fire at the household waste recycling centre at Flusco was believed to be caused by a still-lit disposable BBQ.

The council said it served as further reminder to ensure all items were fully extinguished before disposal.

Councillor Bob Kelly, executive member for environment and planning, added: "These incidents could have had far more serious consequences, and I want to thank staff and emergency responders for their quick thinking and calm professionalism.

"Their actions helped protect the public and prevent further damage."