A massive fire which broke out at a French battery recycling plant has been brought under control, according to the local council.
The fire started on Saturday in the 3,000 square metre plant housing 900 tonnes of lithium batteries, local councillor Pascal Mazet said in a statement on X.
Local media reports showed thick black fumes and flames high over the plant. Local authorities imposed a 500-metre restriction and invited local residents within it to stay indoors with windows shut.
They said there was no indication of dangerous air pollution.
The plant is owned by recycling group SNAM, which houses lithium batteries in Viviez, north of Toulouse. The company has been asked to comment on the cause of the fire.
The local authority said on Tuesday emergency services are remaining vigilant, although had been reduced. Some 60 specialist firefighters had been in attendance at the height of the blaze.
Environmental health will be examining the site over the coming days, the council said.
SNAM said it recycles lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride and nickel cadmium batteries from households, hybrid and electric vehicles, industrial and portable applications.
SNAM receives batteries collected from throughout Europe, it added on its LinkedIn page.
