News Summary
Firefighters in Burton, SC, responded to two dumpster fires caused by lithium batteries at the Beaufort County Convenience Center. The incidents raised concerns about potential explosions and were quickly managed by emergency services. No injuries were reported, and the fires highlighted the importance of proper lithium battery disposal.
Burton Firefighters Respond to Multiple Dumpster Fires Caused by Lithium Batteries
Burton, SC – Firefighters from the Burton Fire District were called to the Beaufort County Convenience Center on Shanklin Road on Monday afternoon to handle two separate dumpster fires linked to lithium batteries. The emergencies began just before 4 p.m., prompting a swift response from the fire department.
The first incident unfolded in the metal recycling drop-off area, where crews discovered a large lithium battery ablaze. Employees at the center alerted firefighters to the possibility of liquid propane gas tanks being present among the surrounding debris. This raised concerns about potential explosions or additional fires exacerbating the situation.
The firefighters acted quickly, extinguishing the first fire by removing the burning lithium battery and submerging it in water, effectively neutralizing the threat. Just as they concluded efforts on the first fire, they detected smoke originating from a nearby large roll-off dumpster. Upon investigation, a second large lithium battery was found burning in this dumpster as well. That battery was also removed and extinguished by the same method.
It was determined that both lithium batteries were likely used to power various pieces of equipment. While searching the area, firefighters discovered several helium containers among the debris, but fortunately, they did not find any liquid propane gas tanks as had initially been feared.
Addressing the fires took over an hour, during which firefighters utilized approximately 3,000 gallons of water to ensure the fires were completely put out. The heat index at the time exceeded 100 degrees, prompting firefighters to request backup from the Marine Corps Air Station Fire and Emergency Services to assist with managing the extreme conditions.
As precautionary measures, the lithium batteries were isolated to allow for safe burning off, which minimized the risk of further incidents. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and there were no additional damages resulting from the fires.
Background on Lithium Battery Hazards
Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular for their efficiency in powering various types of equipment, but they also pose significant risks if not disposed of properly. When damaged or disposed of incorrectly, lithium batteries can catch fire, leading to hazardous situations like the dumpster fires seen in Burton. Proper recycling and disposal are crucial to prevent such dangerous occurrences.
The Beaufort County Convenience Center and similar facilities collect recyclable materials, including electronic waste. Unfortunately, improper disposal of lithium batteries can happen when users are unaware of the risks associated with these types of batteries. Programs that raise awareness of safe disposal and recycle options are essential in mitigating the risks involved with lithium battery usage.
Firefighters emphasize that anyone using or discarding lithium batteries should follow established safety guidelines, including disposing of them in designated recycling bins and being cautious of potential damage before disposal.
Conclusion
The quick and efficient response of the Burton Fire District, along with support from the Marine Corps Air Station Fire and Emergency Services, ensured that the series of incidents at the Beaufort County Convenience Center were handled safely. Monitoring the disposal of lithium batteries remains a priority for local authorities in efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTOC
- Wikipedia: Lithium Battery
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Lithium battery disposal
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Lithium Battery Hazards
- WSAV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lithium Batteries
- Live 5 News – Suspicious Fire
- Google News: Lithium Battery Fires
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
