‘Rise in EV battery fires’ and ‘blaze destroys family’s home’

Here is our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has announced it is doing a “deep dive” into data around electric vehicle (EV) battery fires following a rise in incidents, including one which closed the M5, Somerset Live reports.

And a family in Bristol have been left homeless just before Christmas after a fire destroyed their house, as covered by Bristol Live.

Finally, the Home Office has revealed more details after 30 people were arrested for immigration-related offences at Panattoni Park. Those arrested were of Indian and Albanian nationality, with 25 detained people now being removed from the UK, reports Swindon Advertiser.

Carla Denyer, MP for Bristol Central, has posted about LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in “unsuitable asylum accommodation” being the target of hate crime.

In Swindon, people are being warned not to touch dead or sick birds in the town’s parks but report it instead after bird flu was found in dead wild birds in the town.

To keep on top of the extra recycling over Christmas, Bristol Waste has said it will be temporarily loading “mixed recycling into one big truck” instead of separating it out. Bosses wanted to reassure residents that it is still being recycled.

And a new Highland bull, called Ted, at Cotswold Farm Park has been getting lots of online love.