News Summary
A fire ignited at Red Rock Recycling in northeast Austin Friday afternoon due to a self-combusting rechargeable battery. Firefighters managed a large-scale response, but one firefighter was treated for heat-related injuries. No employees were harmed, and staff assisted by separating materials to contain the blaze. Hydrant issues complicated the firefighting efforts, and an investigation into the fire’s cause has been launched, highlighting the risks of improper battery disposal.
Austin – A fire broke out at Red Rock Recycling in northeast Austin on Friday afternoon, caused by a self-combusting rechargeable battery. Firefighters from the Austin Fire Department (AFD) received a 911 call at approximately 1:30 p.m. reporting the fire at 9807 Brown Lane. The blaze ignited outside the building from cardboard bales and plastic materials.
Responding to the emergency, AFD deployed a substantial force of resources, including nine engines, two rescue units, two ladder trucks, and two battalion chiefs. Despite the rapid response, one firefighter suffered a heat-related injury but was treated and subsequently transported to a local hospital. Fortunately, no employees at the recycling facility were injured during the incident.
Employees at Red Rock Recycling played a crucial role in assisting firefighters by utilizing forklifts to separate the bales of cardboard and plastic, which helped mitigate the spread of the fire. However, firefighters faced challenges with water supply due to hydrants being situated far from the scene, and one hydrant suffered from low pressure. The AFD effectively addressed this issue by accessing a second hydrant and subsequently requested assistance from Austin Water to enhance the water pressure in the vicinity of the operation.
In an effort to maintain the safety and well-being of the firefighting crew during the incident, a rehabilitation trailer equipped with air conditioning and electrolyte drinks was set up on-site. Austin-Travis County EMS provided additional support by offering hydration and cooling towels for the firefighters as they battled the flames.
The fire was declared under control shortly after 4 p.m., allowing crews to focus on extinguishing any remaining hotspots. An investigation into the fire’s cause was promptly initiated. Investigators later determined that a rechargeable battery had become compacted within a bundle of cardboard boxes, ultimately leading to its self-combustion and the subsequent ignition of surrounding materials.
The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently leading the investigation into the incident to evaluate any further hazards and preventative measures that might be implemented to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
This event serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with improperly disposed batteries and similar materials, emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols during recycling and waste management practices.
Meanwhile, the community and local authorities continue to stress the need for awareness regarding battery disposal and safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Fire safety education and proper waste management practices remain critical components in safeguarding both personnel and the environment.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin: Round Rock Fire Department’s Wildland Team Receives New Equipment
- Wikipedia: Firefighting
- CBS Austin: One Firefighter Injured After Pallets and Trash Catch Fire in Northeast Austin
- Google Search: Rechargeable Battery Safety
- Statesman: Crabapple Fire Tracker Near Austin
- Google Scholar: Fire Prevention Measures
- Texas Highways: Wild Bunch Brewing Keeps Fire and History Alive in Red Rock
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Battery Recycling Safety
- CBS Austin: Wildfire Near Llano Expands to 50 Acres
- Google News: Texas Fire Safety
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
