Firefighters were recently called to contain a fire at a storage facility in Fresno, Calif. When firefighters arrived they found smoke coming from a commercial-sized storage unit and requested additional resources.
The recent fire is a reminder for storage operators to be wary of storing vehicles with lithium batteries, especially if expensive boats and RVs are in close proximity to the hazard.Â
The storage unit contained a large amount of property including lithium-ion batteries, which are believed to have caused the fire. With help from the fire sprinkler system, crews were able to keep the fire contained to the single storage unit.
About 20 other units were impacted by smoke.
Lithium-ion batteries provide power for devices like our smart phones and laptops, e-scooters, and e-bikes. The batteries store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. Fresno Fire public information officer Josh Sellers says always keep safety in mind. “Always use the appropriate charging device tat came with the instrument. If you need a replacement, get a replacement from the manufacturer,” Sellers said.
As a reminder, the National Fire Protection Association recommends removing lithium-ion batteries from their chargers once charging is complete and storing these batteries at room temperature whenever possible.
