A factory in southern France caught fire and destroyed about 900 tons of lithium batteries on February 18th

A factory in southern France caught fire and destroyed about 900 tons of lithium batteries on February 18, according to Reuters. The fire occurred at the battery recycling plant in Viviez, Aveyron province. The fire started on February 17 and local firefighters were unable to extinguish it.

This factory belongs to SNAM Technology Recycling Group. The fire created a thick black cloud and threatened the surrounding environment, according to Mr. Pascal Mazet, a local councilor.

Lithium batteries, widely used in electrical equipment, contain flammable materials and can be dangerous when exposed to heat sources. When burned, they produce toxic substances.

Although the fire was under control, 900 tons of lithium batteries continued to smolder. SNAM has not commented on this incident.

In the case of a major fire, lithium batteries can generate cadmium, a substance toxic to the environment, according to Reuters sources from SNAM's confidential information.

Previously, in January 2023, a fire in a lithium battery warehouse for electric cars in the Normandy region also occurred in France, but caused no loss of life and did not affect the outside environment.

Source: VTC