Lance Whitney
Updated on: October 7, 2024 1:48 pm GMT
A significant fire incident at SDG&E’s Northeast Operations Center in Escondido prompted swift emergency response and mandatory evacuations on Thursday afternoon. The fire, which reportedly started in one of the lithium-ion battery storage units located in the 500 block of Enterprise Street, led to fears of an immediate threat to life as thick smoke and flames engulfed the facility.
What Happened and Why?
The fire broke out around 3:15 p.m., drawing a large contingent of first responders to the scene. Witnesses reported seeing brilliant orange flames erupting from one of the battery banks, prompting authorities to take urgent action. Battalion Chief Tyler Batson stated that firefighters quickly altered their strategy when they recognized the nature of the fire, which is particularly hazardous due to the thermal runaway effect in lithium-ion batteries. This condition causes heat generated by one burning cell to ignite neighboring cells, leading to uncontrollable flames.
Evacuations and Public Safety Measures
In light of the growing danger, the Escondido Police Department initiated mandatory evacuations for a defined area. This included locations east of Alpine Street, south of Mission Road, west of Enterprise Street, and north of Auto Park Way. Residents were urged to leave immediately and seek shelter away from the incident area, with emergency notifications sent to those at risk. Police officers were deployed door-to-door to ensure compliance with evacuation orders.
A designated evacuation site was established at Pala Casino, located to the east on SR-76. In addition to the evacuations, officials also issued a shelter-in-place order for a larger surrounding area. This precautionary measure directed individuals to stay indoors, close doors and windows, and prepare for potential extended periods without further guidance from emergency personnel.
Fire Response Efforts
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that one of the battery storage units, comparable in size to a small RV trailer, was ablaze. In response, crews quickly took measures to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the remaining 23 battery banks at the facility. Firefighters used water hoses from a distance, mitigating risks associated with the volatile nature of burning lithium-ion batteries.
Fire officials, including those at SDG&E, stressed the critical role of the facility’s advanced fire suppression systems, which were activated immediately as the blaze erupted. Fortunately, at the time of reporting, no injuries were recorded, and emergency responders continued to work collaboratively to safeguard the area and evaluate the cause of the incident.
Environmental and Community Concerns
The fire occurred during one of the hottest days of the year, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Escondido, along with other parts of Southern California, is currently experiencing a heatwave, raising concerns about air quality and the potential impact on nearby communities due to smoke and emissions from the fire.
Chief Batson emphasized the dangers of thermal runaway fires and the difficulty of extinguishing them, explaining that once a lithium-ion battery ignites, the energy release creates intense heat and can lead to additional cells igniting. This recurrence was highlighted by a similar incident earlier this year in Otay Mesa, where a fire at the Gateway Energy Storage facility resulted in significant evacuations and business disruptions.
Next Steps and Community Communication
SDG&E has committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire to prevent future occurrences. The utility company released a statement underscoring its partnership with emergency response teams to ensure the safety of both its employees and the surrounding community.
Residents and businesses affected by the evacuation order are encouraged to remain attentive to official communications for updates as the situation evolves. As firefighters continue to combat the blaze, local officials are working diligently to manage the incident and prioritize community safety.
The fire at the SDG&E battery storage facility reminds us that lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous. It shows how important it is to be careful with these types of technology. First responders acted quickly, and local officials took steps to keep everyone safe during this scary situation.
