Fire crews in San Diego were called back to the Gateway Energy Storage facility in Otay Mesa after a lithium ion battery fire flared up overnight, following an initial incident on Wednesday. The fire, which started before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, drew 30 firefighters to the scene, leading them to believe they had it under control by Thursday. However, the fire reignited, posing a continued threat.
According to Cal Fire spokesman Capt. Mike Cornette, lithium ion battery fires are particularly dangerous due to their “thermal runway,” meaning they can undergo a chemical reaction when damaged, creating heat and fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, although no injuries have been reported. Carolyne Murff, a spokeswoman for the company, assured that the facility remains closed and there is no immediate danger to the community or nearby businesses.
The incident at the Gateway facility highlights a concerning trend in the San Diego region, with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department reporting a significant increase in lithium ion battery fires compared to the previous year. Experts emphasize the importance of proper handling of such batteries, commonly found in cell phones, laptops, and electric bikes, to reduce the risk of fires. Professor Zheng Chen from UC San Diego’s Department of Nano and Chemical Engineering advised keeping batteries away from heat sources and avoiding overcharging to prevent potential mishaps. The rapid escalation of lithium ion battery fires serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these commonly used devices.
