Fire outbreak at French plant containing lithium batteries – News update
2 min read
Massive Lithium Battery Fire at Recycling Plant in Southern France
A huge fire broke out at a battery recycling plant in Viviez, southern France, where approximately 900 tonnes of lithium batteries were on fire. The warehouse, owned by French recycling group SNAM, caught fire, leading to a massive response from local firefighters.
Lithium batteries are essential components in electrical devices, but they are also known to be a fire hazard when exposed to heat. This incident marks the second major lithium battery fire in France, with a similar fire occurring in Normandy in January 2023, which luckily resulted in no casualties.
Up to 70 firefighters were on the scene at the Viviez site, working diligently to control the fire. Despite the intense blaze, local officials reassured residents that there was no immediate danger to those living nearby. The fire was eventually brought under control, but it was expected to continue burning for several hours.
SNAM, the company owning the warehouse, did not immediately comment on the incident. However, a security note for the site warned of potential toxic cadmium fumes being emitted as a result of the fire. Officials, however, stated that the fumes were unlikely to pose an immediate health risk to residents in the vicinity.
The incident highlights the potential dangers of lithium batteries and the importance of proper handling and disposal of these devices to prevent such catastrophic fires. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the community.
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