Greater Alarm Fire Destroys Lithium-Ion Battery Facility in NE Spokane

Early this morning, a fire erupted at MaxAmps Lithium Batteries in Spokane, WA, leading to a rapid and coordinated response from local emergency services. Firefighters declared a defensive attack strategy as the fire spread quickly, fueled by the facility's lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations. An evacuation was ordered for nearby residents due to the hazardous nature of the smoke, but air quality monitoring indicated no immediate threats to public health. The Department of Ecology assessed environmental risks and confirmed that runoff from firefighting efforts was contained on-site. Avista Utilities had to disconnect electrical and gas services after a gas meter was damaged during the fire, necessitating a controlled burn until the gas supply was shut off.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported, although three adults were displaced from a neighboring home. Investigators are currently working to ascertain the fire's cause, facing challenges due to the extensive damage and the risk of battery flare-ups. Fire crews will remain on-site overnight to monitor the situation and ensure safety until the hazards are fully mitigated.