A huge fire at an industrial estate in Gateshead was believed to have been caused by a damaged lithium battery.
Firefighters were dispatched to Gap Waste in Nest Road, Felling, at around 11am on Wednesday after a large pile of rubbish and a vehicle ignited, causing plumes of smoke to rise into the air.
Crews were tackling the blaze throughout the day and roads were closed in the area until it was extinguished, with firefighters leaving the scene after 6pm.
In a statement released on Thursday, a spokesperson from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it was believed the fire had been caused when a damaged lithium battery ignited within a pile of waste.
They said: "Crews arrived shortly before 11am yesterday and we left at 6.20pm.
"Electrical recycling material approximately 10m x 30m and 10m high was 70% severely damaged by fire.
"A digger was also 50% severely damaged by the fire. The cause is believed to be accidental - a damaged lithium battery ignited within a pile of waste."
Police also attended the scene to assist with the road closures and the public were encouraged to stay away while crews fought the blaze.
A spokesperson for Gap Group, which runs the site, said on Twitter: "We had an incident on site yesterday which required the assistance of @Tyne_Wear_FRS.
"I cannot speak highly enough of their reaction time & professionalism. Crews from Newcastle (cent) Gateshead & Hebburn arrived. We are truly fortunate to have such men & women serving this area."
