Firefighters Battle Lithium-Ion Battery Fire In Central Square

CENTRAL SQUARE – Multiple fire departments and the Oswego County Hazardous Materials Team assisted the Central Square Fire Company at a fire involving a large number of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.

At approximately 9:40 a.m. Sunday, the Central Square Fire Department was alerted to a structure fire at DT Auto 2 at 1362 US Route 11.  Mutual aid units from Hastings and West Monroe were alerted to respond as well. A fire was located inside the building on the property.

“It was a very significant fire,” Central Square Fire Company Chief Chris Casteline said. “Lithium-ion batteries were involved, which could have caused more damage and health concerns, so the mutual aid depts were activated along with the hazmat team.”

When the fire to the structure was extinguished, a large number of lithium-ion battery units were found on a pallet. “These were similar to those used in electric vehicles,” said A. Erik Heath, Oswego County Deputy Fire Coordinator for Special Operations.

A Level 3 hazmat incident was declared and the Oswego County Hazmat Team was requested to the scene.

Multiple mitigation plans for the disposal of the batteries were developed, and notifications were made to New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

In cooperation with the shop owner and Oswego County Highway department, the batteries were safely packaged to removed further hazards. “In conjunction with the hazmat team, we came up with a solution to place them in a dumpster and neutralize them with sand,” Chief Casteline said.

 Supporting the hazardous materials response were the Brewerton Fire Department, Mexico Fire Department with the Oswego County Mobile Cascade Unit, Menter Ambulance, and Central Square Fire Department’s auxiliary members. The Oswego County Sheriff’s Department and New York State Police also assisted. About 30 personnel were on the scene. “The departments worked very well together,” Chief Casteline said. “We appreciate their assistance.”

The building was damaged by the fire, but it was contained to the area of origin.  No injuries were reported, and one firefighter suffered a minor leg injury not related to the hazmat response.

“Lithium-ion batteries are an emerging hazard and can be challenging to deal with post-fire,” Heath said. “Fire-impacted cells can react unpredictably and pose great potential risk. The public should be careful with lithium-ion batteries to avoid damaging or compromising them.”

While personnel were still on the scene at the Central Square fire, a barn fire in Pennellville was reported at 10:14 a.m. That fire drew 11 fire departments and Menter’s Ambulance, according to Pennellville Fire Chief Ed Weldin.

“It was a busy morning for fire departments in Oswego County,” said County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws. “We appreciate the efforts of the volunteers, especially on a Sunday morning.”