Fire Tears Through Lithium Battery Plant in Missouri

Crews Battle Massive Blaze at Rockwood Lithium Facility

Firefighters in Missouri are battling a massive five-alarm fire that has engulfed a lithium battery plant in the city of Rockwood. The blaze, which broke out on Monday evening, has caused extensive damage to the facility and sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the air.

According to local officials, the fire started in the plant's production area, where lithium batteries were being manufactured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities suspect that it may have been caused by a malfunction or overheating in the battery production process.

Evacuations Ordered as Fire Rages

As the fire raged, authorities ordered evacuations for residents living within a one-mile radius of the plant. The evacuations were put in place as a precaution due to the potential for toxic fumes and explosions. Several schools and businesses in the area were also closed as a result of the fire.

Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions have been called in to assist in battling the blaze. The fire is proving difficult to extinguish due to the large amount of flammable materials present at the plant. Crews are using foam and water to try to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

Investigation Underway into Cause of Fire

Investigators from the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are on scene conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. The investigation is expected to take several days or even weeks to complete.

The Rockwood Lithium plant is owned and operated by Rockwood Battery Systems, a leading manufacturer of lithium batteries for electric vehicles and other applications. The company has not yet commented on the fire or the extent of the damage.