Plant manager: Lithium battery explosion sparked shred yard fire

Over the weekend, a fire at a scrap metal facility took first responders more than a day to fully extinguish. The smoke could be seen rising from the flames for miles.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the facility manager has a good guess as to what may have sparked the fire.

Joe Bernhardt is the business unit manager at Aceros America Port Manatee LLC. The facility shreds items like refrigerators, cars, and washing machines, and sends them off to be recycled.

[DennisB]

That fire probably cleaned up the stuff they don’t want to shred and recycle

[michaelbodine]

Listen UP...batteries are OFTEN overcharged becuase THEIR toy industry is NOT protected by NHTSA, OFTEN from overheated and incorrect voltage.

[johnharpdalton]

But at least it's good for the environment, say 'experts'.

[alphabet]

Lol, we need MORE planet saving electric cars! 😆👌🏼