Reigniting San Diego BESS Fire Highlights Thermal Runaway Risks
With video: A multi-day, reigniting fire at the Otay Mesa Storage Facility illustrates the safety challenge of lithium-ion batteries.
Michael C. Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, Battery Technology
May 20, 2024
2 Min Read
Outdoor fire - stock imageCREDIT: HXDBZXY / ISTOCK GETTY IMAGES PLUS
A significant fire at the Gateway Energy Storage Facility in Otay Mesa brings fresh attention to the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries. The blaze, which began on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, has persisted for four days with no clear end in sight, according to reports from the San Diego Union Tribune, television station KUSI/FOX5 and others.
Despite efforts by firefighters, including drenching the batteries and ventilating the facility, the fire has repeatedly reignited due to a thermal runaway chain reaction—a phenomenon where overheating lithium-ion batteries catch fire and cause neighboring batteries to do the same. The San Diego Union Tribune reported that more than three dozen firefighters have been battling the blaze, but full containment remains uncertain. Cal Fire Captain Brent Pascua indicated that containment could take anywhere from a week to several weeks based on past incidents…… ……. etc
Response from Mark Reynolds on Linkedin (who’s Mark? [try here :ref])
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)