JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The SAFT building on Waterworks Street was evacuated Tuesday morning due to a hazmat situation, according to the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department.
After nearly 10 hours, crews were able to get the fire extinguished.
A representative for SAFT says at 7:15 a.m. a battery caught fire and employees had to be evacuated. JFRD crews arrived and immediately attempted to attack the fire by using dry chemicals and fire extinguishers, but found the tactic unsuccessful, fire officials said.
"If you can imagine a bunch of double A batteries packed in a 5x5 container that's two feet deep, and the multiple layers of that," said Chief Mike Lesniak. "If you can imagine, that's exactly what's burning inside of there."
After reassessing the situation, JFRD officials determined to remove several other batteries close to the affected battery, to prevent igniting the others.
A spokesperson for the department says they cooled the battery and monitored it while it ran out of juice.
A chief mention it put off explosive hydrogen gas while it burned, which could impact when the factory will be able to start operating again.
"They will not be able to go back in until it's completely clear of all the toxic gases that are in there," said Mesniak.
It is unknown what caused the fire but, JFRD is currently investigating.