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Update May 28, 2024 -- All evacuation orders have been lifted, though firefighters remain on scene.
Update 9:30 p.m. --The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Evacuation Order. An Evacuation Order requires immediate movement out of the affected area due to an imminent threat to life. All persons in the impacted area should prepare to evacuate. Evacuation Order means there is extreme danger in your area. You must leave now; do not wait. Contact your neighbors and share information.
By Miriam Raftery
May 17, 2024 (Otay Mesa) – The #CaminoFire at Gateway Energy Storage, a lithium battery storage facility in Otay Mesa, flared up overnight and prompted county officials to issue an evacuation warning for businesses in the surrounding area due to the potential for release of toxic gasses.
The fire has also resulted in a shelter-in-place order for nearby Donovan State Prison. A road closure is in effect at Camino de la Fuente and Paseo de la Fuente.
According to Cal Fire’s incident update this morning, firefighters continue to battle the thermal runaway fire involving lithium ion batteries.
The harmful gasses are “making access an issue for firefighters,” Cal Fire advises.”The building’s sprinkler system is currently being supplemented with the use of the existing standpipe system and the fire is still contained to the building of origin."
Hazardous materials teams from the County and City of San Diego are on hand, as well as subjectmatter experts to “help us get this evolving situation under control,” the Cal Fire incident update adds. Multiple firefighting crews are on handincluding San Dieo Fire and Rescue as well as Cal Fire, along with the Sheriff’s Department.
Crews are using special tools to monitor the area for any harmful gases or contaminants.
The incident highlights the potential risk of energy storage facilities with hazardous lithium ion batteries, since such fires can be difficult to extinguish. Such facilites are used to store energy generated by renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar,so that power will be available even when the wind isn't blowing or the sun isn't shining.
According to the American Clean Power Association, fire-related incidents at energy storage facilities are rare; spokesperson Mary Collins Atkinson, "The industry is deeply committed to frequent and transparent communication with the fire service to ensure incidents are safely and successfully contained. The industry strives to meet and exceed rigorous safety standards, including the National Fire Protection Association’s comprehensive safety standard for energy storage (NFPA 855). Safety is our industry’s highest priority." She provided a facts vs. claims document on safety at energy storage facilities.
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