SHELTER at home is the advice being given to residents in the West Byrehill area of Kilwinning as a fire remains ongoing.
People living nearby and around the smoke plume are advised to keep their windows shut and vents closed.
Emergency services were called to Fenix Battery Recycling on Byrehill Place in Kilwinning shortly after 10pm on Monday.
Videos posted on social media appeared to show large plumes of smoke billowing out of the factory, with witnesses reporting hearing loud bangs.
READ MORE: Scotland weather: Car swept into sea by Storm Kathleen
Six fire trucks and a height appliance were sent out to extinguish the blaze.
Emergency services remain at the scene. Local road closures are in place.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Public Health Scotland to monitor the situation as a precaution.
The multi-agency response includes Police Scotland, SFRS, SEPA, Public Health, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, and North Ayrshire Council.
There has been no requirement to evacuate residents. This will be kept under review.
There were no reports of any casualties.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Byrehill road in Kilwinning is closed due to an ongoing fire at a recycling centre in Byrehill Place.
“Emergency services are in attendance. As a precaution, officers are advising local residents to remain indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.”
“Crews are currently in attendance at a fire at a recycling centre in Kilwinning,” the SFRS said.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here