At approximately 7:32 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, San Luis Obispo Fire Department crews responded to a call for smoke resulting from the ongoing monitoring and containment of lithium-ion batteries involved in the commercial structure fire at 3825 South Higuera Street earlier this week.
As a precaution and following appropriate protocol, lithium-ion batteries that were identified as compromised and potentially unstable were removed from the building and placed outside for observation in containment barrels. Lithium-ion batteries may continue to burn and take several days to be fully extinguished.
During this time, the containment barrels are continuously monitored for any fire activity.
During Thursday evening’s response, crews observed smoke coming from several containment barrels and initiated cooling. After the barrels were cooled and while inspections were underway, a San Luis Obispo firefighter sustained an injury and was transported to a local hospital for observation and later released.
Fire crews will continue to remain on site to monitor the containment barrels in coordination with the San Luis Obispo County Regional Hazardous Materials Team. The barrels will be removed from the site when safe to do so. Efforts are being made by the business owner to reduce the risk of thermal runaway and to remove them to a waste storage facility.
The public may notice a continued presence of emergency services in the area, but there is no ongoing threat to the public or nearby residents and businesses.
The Fire Department would like to remind the public of potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries as well as proper storage and disposal. Lithium-ion batteries can become unstable when damaged and experience a thermal runaway emitting high heat, flame, and potentially hazardous fumes. Residents are advised if a battery is bulged, discolored, discharging any liquids or smells remove the battery to a safe location. Store any burnt batteries in a fireproof container, cover with sand or kitty litter, and store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from combustibles. Transport your burnt battery to a local household hazardous waste facility. Please visit www.iwma.com/batteries for more information.
For more information, please visit www.slocity.org/fire and follow the Fire Department on X and Instagram.
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