05 Sep 2024 | 11:30 PM UTC
US: Authorities issue mandatory evacuation orders in Escondido, Calif., in connection with fire at local battery storage facility Sept. 5
Fire ignites at battery facility in Escondido, Calif., US, Sept. 5, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for surrounding area.
Fire department and hazmat personnel are responding to a fire at a lithium-ion battery storage facility located at 571 Enterprise Street in Escondido, California, as of Sept. 5. The blaze has emitted black smoke into the surrounding area. The fire reportedly ignited during the afternoon hours and has prompted authorities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for the immediate area around the facility, including the territory east of Alpine Way, south of West Mission Road, west of Enterprise Street, and north of Auto Park Way. Additionally, local officials have instructed individuals located southeast of the incident site, roughly between Enterprise Street and West Valley Parkway, to shelter in place due to the fire. Authorities did not immediately confirm the cause of the blaze or any associated casualties; however, prevailing weather conditions may have contributed to the fire breaking out as the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Escondido on Sept. 5 due to high temperatures.
Smoke from the fire may noticeably worsen air quality in the surrounding area over the short term. Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence around 571 Enterprise Street until fire crews extinguish the blaze. Significant disruptions to transport and business will likely affect the vicinity of the incident site over the coming hours. Officials may announce additional evacuation orders and road closures on short notice to facilitate the emergency response and ensure public safety.
Avoid the incident site until authorities extinguish the fire and give the all-clear. Follow all instructions from security personnel, including evacuation and shelter-in-place orders. If not under evacuation orders, consider remaining indoors to avoid smoke exposure, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
