Truck’s lithium-ion battery bursts into flames near Tempe facility

PHOENIX — A fire broke out in Tempe on Monday evening at the Arizona Lithium facility, officials said.

The Tempe Fire Department said crews from Tempe, Guadalupe, Chandler and Phoenix were dispatched to Kyrene and Elliot roads at around 5 p.m.

“On arrival, crews found a semi-truck located in the facility with one of its lithium-ion cell batteries on fire,” Assistant Chief Andrea Glass told KTAR News 92.3 FM via email.

“Crews were able to contain the fire to the truck with no extension to other parts of the facility.”

By 7:30 p.m., crews were putting water on the truck’s lithium-ion battery to keep it cool, Glass said.

“Partners from environmental agencies, the truck manufacturer, business and fire departments are working together to make sure this is done safely,” Glass said.

There were no reported injuries, she said.