Solar Panel Batteries on Fire in Millvale

260 truck just returned from a 2-alarm commercial structure fire in the 100 blk of Sherman Street in Millvale. 191 Chief arrived on scene with smoke showing. 260 truck assumed first due truck and immediately searched for fire along with Rescue 191. Crews found 9 lithium ion batteries on fire that was quickly extending throughout the basement and parts of the first division. Multiple extinguishers were used to keep the fire under control but the flames continued to spark up. Lithium ion battery fires are difficult and dangerous to extinguish. Normally fires are put out with water, but in this case it wasn’t safe to. Crews used (F500)to extinguish the fire. After the fire was extinguished, a hazmat call was put in, bringing in multiple units from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. Crews removed the batteries and placed them into secured bins. Crews were on scene for over 7 hours working and assisting. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.

Just this month, 260 members took a class on lithium ion battery fires as part of their Hazardous materials operations refresher. Special thanks to Instructors Hogan and Marmo on the class. Training came in handy today!