Are battery storage fires igniting?

The number of installations is on the rise, but a persistent problem keeps coming up — fires igniting at battery storage facilities. Most recently, a fire broke out at the Valley Center Energy Storage Facility in San Diego County on Sept. 18.

What is a battery storage facility?

The battery storage facilities are a component of the county's respond to green energy, storing energy from renewable sources such as solar or wind to use as needed. They are intended as an alternative or at least a supplement to fossil fuel energies such as natural gas and oil.

Should firefighters continue to contain a lithium-ion battery fire?

However it is still a race against time for firefighters to continue to contain the fire, smoke and toxic fumes from the lithium-ion batteries. An investigation into the fire is ongoing. This is a developing story.

Where is the Escondido battery fire?

"The Escondido battery fire is unfolding in an industrial area away from homes and residences.

Are lithium-ion battery fires rare?

Lithium-ion battery fires are rare but have blackened the image of a clean energy technology essential to the energy transition. Such fires are difficult to put out because lithium-ion battery fires generate their own oxygen.

How did Cal Fire stop a fire?

On Sunday, Cal Fire said in an update that firefighters have been able to slow the progression of the fire to the point where only light, wispy smoke can be seen and only minimal heat is remaining. Firefighters say they will continue to use unstaffed hose lines to cool the inside of the building.