8 firefighters hospitalized after Ariz. battery facility explosion

Crews from both the Peoria Fire-Medical Department and the Surprise Fire Department were investigating after a bystander saw smoke when the explosion occurred

By FireRescue1

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Eight Arizona firefighters were hospitalized as a result of an explosion at a battery facility where utility-sized lithium batteries are stored.

Fox News reported that a bystander spotted smoke coming from the APS McMicken Energy Storage facility and called 911. Members of the Peoria Fire-Medical Department and Surprise Fire Department responded to the call. The explosion occurred while a Peoria Fire hazmat team was entering the building.

Four firefighters from PFMD were injured, with one in critical condition and two in serious condition. Four SFD firefighters were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to SFD Battalion Chief Julie Moore.

A spokesman from APS said the facility will cooperate fully with an investigation into the explosion.

Peoria Fire-Medical along with Surprise Fire-Medical and surrounding agencies responded to a reported fire at an APS...
Posted by Peoria Fire-Medical Department on Saturday, April 20, 2019