NEW YORK, March 17 (Xinhua) -- A massive fire that disrupted Long Island Railroad (LIRR) services on Friday was triggered by an improperly disposed lithium battery, said the Fire Department New York (FDNY) on Saturday.

The five-alarm fire that broke out at a recycling plant in New York City's borough of Queens Friday afternoon was brought under control, tweeted the FDNY Saturday morning.

The fire was caused by the "accidental, improper disposal of (a) lithium battery," it said.

Firefighters will remain on the scene of the recycling plant to monitor the situation through Saturday afternoon. At its height Friday evening, around 200 firefighters were on the scene.

The fire's location near the tracks on the Long Island Rail Road forced the rail system to temporarily suspend service in both directions on four lines shortly before the Friday evening rush hour, according to the LIRR.