Baldwin Fire Rescue, Atrium Emergency Services, and the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office responded to a structure fire at 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 26 on the 400th block of Colony Farm Road.
Two engines, under one squad, and the battalion chief arrived to a fully engulfed 12 ft. x 24 ft. shed. According to BCFR Deputy Chief of Operations Bradley Towe, two attack Lines were deployed for extinguishment efforts and the fire was brought under control in about 25 minutes.
"The cause of fire is believed to be a lithium drill battery pack," said Towe. "Lithium-ion battery cells combine a flammable electrolyte with a lot of stored energy, and if a lithium-ion battery cell creates more heat than it can effectively disperse, it can lead to a rapid, uncontrolled release of heat energy, known as ‘thermal runaway’, that can result in a fire or explosion. Thermal runaway can be caused by a number of reasons, including an internal short circuit due to manufacturing defects, overcharging, or cell damage from dropping it."
The family was reportedly sleeping at the time of the fire and no one was injured.
This story will be updated as new information is released.