Commercial garage fire in Homosassa, FL caused by lithium-ion batteries

Citrus County Fire Rescue (CCFR)

Homosassa, Florida — At 1:57 am on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Citrus County Fire Rescue responded to a large commercial garage located on W. Grover Cleveland Blvd. in Homosassa, in response to a reported fire.

The first arriving unit found heavy smoke and visible flames. An inspection revealed that the fire was concentrated on the corner of the building, threatening nearby areas. Two fire suppression lines were deployed, and the power was secured. The fire was quickly brought under control. Additional units assisted with extinguishment, salvage and overhaul operations. The last unit cleared the scene at 3:18 am.

During firefighting efforts, an OXY-Acetylene tank was found and removed from the building to prevent further risk.

The property owners confirmed that everyone had safely evacuated the building. No injuries were reported.

Upon further investigation, the Fire Marshal and Battalion Chief 2 identified that lithium-ion batteries stored outside the structure, awaiting warranty-related pickup, were the likely cause of the fire. The batteries had ignited, spreading flames to nearby paint supplies and eventually into the building.

The owner was instructed to keep the power off until the building was inspected and cleared by a licensed electrician.

Firefighters from the Connell Heights, Homosassa and Sugarmill Woods fire stations responded to the scene, along with the Fire Marshal and two rescue units

Safety Message: Lithium-Ion Battery Storage and Disposal

Lithium-ion batteries are powerful and useful. However, they can pose significant fire risks if not stored or disposed of properly. Here are some safety tips to prevent battery fires:
• Store lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials.
• Do not stack batteries haphazardly, especially if they are damaged or faulty.
• Dispose of old or malfunctioning batteries at a proper recycling center; do not leave them unattended.
• If a battery feels hot to the touch, isolate it and contact a professional for proper disposal.

Stay vigilant to prevent unnecessary fires and hazards.

For additional information about battery safety, visit NFPA Lithium-Ion Battery Safety at
nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/lithium-ion-batteries
or US Fire Administration Battery Fire Safety at
usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/batteries.

In the event of a fire, dial 9-1-1.

For more information about Citrus County Fire Rescue, visit its website at citruscountyfire.com. Its business office is located at 1520 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. in Crystal River, Florida, and its non-emergency phone number is (352) 527-5406.