New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“At 11:38am yesterday, the New bedford Fire Department responded to a report of smoke in the building at 342 Hathaway Blvd, apt. 11. This complex consists of forty-seven wood-frame condominium-townhouse style units. Engine 7 arrived, reported visible smoke, located a fire in the basement of this unit, and extinguished it with one hoseline. The dwelling was protected with a working fire alarm system.
Once overhaul began, crews determined they had extinguished a fire involving lithium-ion batteries. Crews deployed CellBlockEX and 5 gallon metal overpack drums to the basement. The lithium-ion batteries were overpacked and safely removed from the basement with firefighters in full structural firefighting gear and SCBA. Air monitoring was continuously performed.
Once outside, crews placed lids on the overpack drums for transport to an approved recycling center where they remain for 60 days. The lids were placed on the overpack drums but not tightened to prevent pressure buildup in the event of a thermal runaway with additional Lithium-ion cells.
No civilians or firefighters were injured. The American Red Cross of Massachusetts is assisting six displaced residents. NBEMS & NBPD assisted on scene. The cause of the fire was investigated by the NBFD Fire Investigation Unit and was determined to be accidental, caused by lithium-ion battery charging.”-New Bedford Fire Department.
All photos by the New Bedford Fire Department:
