East Fork engines at Minden Tahoe Airport on Oct. 1.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
A fire that damaged two hangars at Minden Tahoe Airport on Oct. 1 was caused by a portable lithium ion powered “jump pack” that overheated, the East Fork Fire Protection District said on Thursday.
East Fork firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a hangar at around 4:40 p.m.
Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from Hangars D and F, along with water from the fire sprinkler system.
Once out, the source of the fire was traced to a workbench next to the wall in one hangar. The jump pack generated so much heat that it caused combustible material in a neighboring hangar to ignite.
“This lithium battery ignition caused the fire to get really hot, really fast,” said Fire Chief Tod Carlini. “The fire would have been much larger with more property and building loss had the fire sprinkler system not been installed and in working condition.”
A single sprinkler head in each hangar was able to suppress the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters, according to the district, reducing property loss, including three planes and an antique vehicle. The sprinklers also reduced the hazard to firefighters if the fire came into contact with the jet fuel in the aircraft.
“This fire with the significantly reduced property loss and risk to the firefighters is a perfect example as to why the fire code requires fire sprinkler systems in aircraft hangars.” stated Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Amy Ray.
Firefighters said any lithium ion battery powered items should be charged following the manufacturer’s specifications that come with the purchased item.
