A significant fire erupted at a battery manufacturing facility in Sainte-Catherine, a municipality situated south of Montreal in the Montérégie region, on Sunday night. Emergency services received a 911 call at 8:25 p.m. reporting the blaze at 1200 Garnier St., near Hébert Boulevard.
Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with intense flames consuming the expansive commercial building. The structure’s considerable size posed challenges to containment efforts, necessitating the deployment of dozens of firefighters to manage the situation. Given the building’s large footprint and the potential hazards associated with battery manufacturing materials, additional support was summoned from neighboring municipalities.
Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, employing specialized equipment and techniques suited for industrial fires involving hazardous materials.
Authorities have not reported any injuries resulting from the fire. However, due to the nature of the materials involved, there are concerns about air quality and potential environmental impacts. Residents in the immediate vicinity were advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed as a precautionary measure. Environmental agencies are on-site conducting air and water quality assessments to ensure public safety.
A battery recycling plant located at the same address is owned by Terrapure Environmental, a leading Canadian provider of recycling solutions contributing to the circular economy of batteries. In October 2023, Terrapure celebrated the grand opening of a new plastics recycling facility at this location, enhancing its capabilities in recycling plastic battery casings for reuse in new products.
The incident in Sainte-Catherine underscores the inherent risks associated with battery manufacturing and recycling facilities. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly produced in such plants, are known to pose fire hazards, especially when damaged or improperly handled.
This event follows a similar incident earlier this year in Fredericktown, Missouri, where a fire at a lithium-ion battery processing plant led to evacuations and environmental concerns. The National Fire Protection Association has highlighted the growing dangers these batteries present when processed or recycled, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in facilities handling such materials.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
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