HOMOSASSA, FL (352today.com) – An early morning garage fire that was likely ignited by lithium-ion batteries was contained by Citrus County firefighters on Tuesday.
Firefighters with Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR) set out at 1:57 a.m. on September 3 to a structure fire at a large garage located on W. Grover Cleveland Blvd. in Homosassa.
Firefighters arrived on the scene and reported seeing heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the structure. They completed a 360-degree assessment of the fire and found it to be concentrated on the corner of the building. They noted that the corner was exposed to the outside and posed a threat to nearby areas. CCFR says they deployed a fire suppression line and began trying to extinguish the flame.
Firefighters then noticed an oxy-acetylene tank that was leaking gas and quickly took it out of the building to keep everyone safe from any more danger. Firefighters then deployed a second fire line on the side of the building to provide further support, bringing the fire under control quickly.
CCFR says they spoke to the property owners during the fight with the blaze. They told CCFR that everyone had evacuated safely from the structure. Further investigation from CCFR found that lithium-ion batteries stored outside the structure were the likely cause of the fire. According to CCFR, the batteries ignited and spread flames to nearby paint supplies that led into the building.
CCFR released a safety message regarding lithium-ion battery storage and disposal. They say these batteries pose “significant fire risks” if not stored or disposed of properly. They shared these safety tips to help prevent battery fires:
- Store lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials.
- Do not stack batteries haphazardly, especially if they are damaged or faulty.
- Dispose of old or malfunctioning batteries at proper recycling centers; do not leave them unattended.
- If a battery feels hot to the touch, isolate it and contact a professional for proper disposal.