In a chemical waste management site, a major fire declared just after 6 am in an open area used to store drums of chemicals. Fire-fighters reported seeing drums rocketing into the air and off the site after setting alight. Emergency services closed the industrial estate and sections of the M6 and M55 during 6 h while they tackled the blaze, due to fears that smoke and fumes would travel if the wind changed direction. The fire was extinguished by mid-afternoon after more than 132,000 litres of chemicals were set alight. HSE inspectors believe it was caused by lithium batteries igniting nearby waste materials. The company was fined 189 keuros for health and safety breaches : the dangerous chemicals were not stored safely enough and the company failed to provide adequate training for its staff.