Sources indicated that smoke was seen rising from the Mid UK Recycling facility on Ermine Street in Barkston Heath, near Ancaster, prompting an emergency response.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue confirmed it was in attendance at what it described as a “large incident” at the recycling processing site. The service deployed eight fire appliances alongside several specialist vehicles, including a high-volume pump, hose layer and aerial ladder platform.
Residents and businesses in the surrounding area were advised to keep windows and doors closed while crews worked to contain the fire.
Lincolnshire Police said it received reports of a fire at Copper Hill Industrial Estate on High Dyke, Grantham, shortly after 9am.
Video credit: Lincolnshire Police Drone Team, Facebook
Second incident at Mid UK Recycling site
The incident marks the second fire linked to the facility in recent months, following a blaze on 18 October 2025 which sent thick plumes of smoke into nearby villages.
In a statement, Mid UK Recycling confirmed the fire had been brought under control.
A spokesperson said: “A fire broke out at our Barkston Heath facility, Lincolnshire on the 1st of April. It was quickly brought under control and everyone on site is safe.
“We remain on site with a small team from the emergency services as a precautionary measure.”
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation.
Ongoing concerns over recycling fire epidemic
The incident comes amid continued concern over fires at waste and recycling facilities across the UK and Ireland, with operators and fire services reporting persistent incidents involving mixed waste and recyclable materials.
One recent example saw a major blaze at a recycling facility in Southall in January 2025, which led to severe disruption to rail services serving Heathrow Airport. The incident required eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters, according to the London Fire Brigade.
Industry bodies including the Environmental Services Association have warned that battery-related fires – particularly those linked to improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries – are now occurring at what they describe as “epidemic levels”.
The cause of the fire at the Mid UK Recycling facility has not yet been disclosed.
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