A lithium-battery fire in a storage unit at a commercial facility in Valley Center caused road closures and evacuations for nearby homes and businesses. The fire started near Valley Center Road and Vesper Road, and the company’s fire measures kept it relatively contained, according to authorities.
As a precautionary measure, homes and businesses along Valley Center Road, from Irish Oaks Road to Miller Road, were required to evacuate. Residents on Turtle Rock Road and Cole Grade Road were also evacuated if their properties were south of Valley Center School. People within a few blocks of the evacuation zone were advised to shelter in place. A temporary evacuation center was set up at Valley Center High School.
In addition to the evacuations, several road closures were put in place. Valley Center Road was closed at Cole Grade Road, Vesper Road, Mac Tan Lane, and Sunset Road.
Precautions were necessary due to the potential danger of lithium batteries. These batteries can heat up rapidly, causing fires and the spread of chemicals to other nearby buildings. However, there was no visible smoke from the shipping container where the fire occurred. The battery company was on the scene with the fire department, closely monitoring the situation.
Sprinkler systems or chemicals are typically utilized by companies to prevent fires in shipping containers housing these types of products. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of this incident.
Please note that this is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Definitions:
– Lithium batteries: Rechargeable batteries that use lithium-ion technology to store and release energy.
– Evacuation: The act of leaving a place of danger or threat and moving to a safer location.
– Road closures: The temporary shutdown of roads to ensure public safety.
– Shipping container: A large, standardized metal container used for the transportation of goods.
Sources:
– Original article from [source name].
– San Diego Sheriff’s Twitter account: @SDSheriff
– Cal Fire: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.