A container carrying electric bicycles and lithium ion batteries was fully engulfed in flames early Thursday, displacing seven people who live in a multi-family structure in East Village.
The fire was reported sometime around 4:45 a.m. near the intersection of 17th and F Streets, according to Battalion Chief Chris Bagler. Crews took about 20 minutes to knock down the flames that engulfed the 25-foot shipping container.
Because the container had exploding batteries inside, a HAZMAT team was requested to look into the toxicity of the area. Bagler said a home next door was evacuated as a result of the fire and seven people were displaced.
No injuries were reported in connection with the blaze.
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Due to the response, all lanes that lead to westbound SR-94 at 17th Street were shut down. As of 6:34 a.m., all lanes were reopened.
Details on what led up to the fire were not immediately clear, but Bagler faulted the batteries as the origin for the incident.
