Lithium-ion batteries catch fire at Panasonic’s De Soto Plant
Multiple batteries caught fire early Wednesday, prompting an evacuation and emergency response
DE SOTO, Kan. —
Fire officials are investigating what caused an early-morning battery fire at the Panasonic Energy battery facility.
Just after 2 AM, Northwest Consolidated Fire District crews received an automatic alarm from the Panasonic facility located at 10301 Astra Parkway. When firefighters got there, they talked to Panasonic Energy workers, who had evacuated the building.
Firefighters began investigating and found smoke in the building. Then, they found multiple batteries on fire on battery racks in a testing area of the facility.
NCFD officials say only the batteries caught fire. The building’s automatic fire suppression system went off and helped contain the fire.
The fire is out, and crews are helping remove affected equipment. No one was hurt.
“We are thankful that there are no reported injuries this morning and for the actions of first responders,” a Panasonic Energy spokesperson said. “An investigation is ongoing. Dayshift will operate with minimal disruptions.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.