Dozens of lithium-ion batteries affected by debris fire in Mesa, officials say

Lithium Ion batteries catch fire in Mesa

Crews from Mesa and Gilbert fire departments battled a debris fire involving dozens of Lithium-Ion batteries near Southern Avenue and 24th Street on Feb. 2. Video courtesy of TJ Kelber.

MESA, Ariz. - Officials with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department say a HAZMAT crews are working to cool down lithium-ion batteries that were affected by a debris fire on Feb. 2.

According to a brief statement, the fire took place in the area of Southern Avenue and Lindsay Road. A total of 30 lithium-ion batteries, each about 6'x2'x1.5' in size, were affected.

"MFMD Hazardous Materials crews are working with Mesa Environmental and a private contractor to determine exactly how many of the batteries are damaged and the most effective way to submerge the batteries that have been damaged for an appropriate time frame to cool the batteries," read a portion of the statement.

Conditions are not deemed to be hazardous to those living in the area, and the battery cooling could take several hours to potentially days.