Sunday explosion involved materials for making lithium batteries: CFD

15 people assessed for smoke inhalation at fire at northeast business. Calgary fire says lithium ion fires are becoming more common with frequent battery use.

The Calgary Fire Department says an explosion and fire on Sunday afternoon involved toxic materials for making lithium ion batteries.

Emergency officials assessed 15 people for smoke inhalation on scene and dozens more were evacuated from neighbouring businesses, including young athletes training at a cheerleading club next door.

“Lithium ion batteries and its byproducts, if they catch fire, the smoke appears a little bit different than normal smoke, being that it’s often a white or grayish colour as opposed to that traditional black smoke you would see in a fire,” said Tom Jukes, the assistant deputy chief of operations at the Calgary Fire Department.

Crews were called just after noon on Sunday to the 3100 block of 14 Ave. NE and found significant amounts of smoke and toxic materials. Battling a blaze of that nature involves different challenges than a typical structure fire, Jukes said.

“The one hazard is the high heat or the extreme temperatures that is a result of those products when they are on fire and also the fact that they can reignite, involving large quantities of water,” he added.

Around 30 people were in the neighbouring gym when they heard the explosions.

“There was a big bang in the corner and so everyone (was) stunned and looks over there and we’re like, ‘what the heck?’ said Story Stauffer, a young cheerleader who was training when the fire broke out next door.

“And then the smoke starts rising and then the fire alarm goes off,” she said.

Smoke damage is extensive to the cheer club, its equipment and the personal items left inside during the evacuation.

“Everything is covered in smoke. I can’t even enter there without a mask,’ said Nailah Taylor, the owner and coach with Cheer Sports Calgary Sharks.

“There’s no real estimate of time (to reopen). I’m looking at possibly months, to never returning,” she said.

Other Calgary clubs have offered training space for the time being, Taylor said, but not enough for the 300 athletes who are preparing for competitions.

“Not getting to practice here is really sad because I feel like we stunt and tumble our best in the gym because it’s just where we feel most at home,” said Lauren Conlin, another young cheer athlete.

“It’ll just be devastating to not work here or be with our friends here anymore,” she said.

There’s no word yet what caused the explosion and fire.

With files from CTV’s Amy Stalker