[UPDATE 1:00 p.m.] Shelter-in-Place Issued After Lithium Battery Fire Near Hayfork Fire Hall; Runoff Threatens Hayfork Creek

Screenshot of Google Maps of Hayfork VFD and Eskaton Hayfork Manor

A lithium-ion battery fire prompted a shelter-in-place order this morning near the Hayfork Fire Hall after hazardous materials and fire suppression runoff were reported to be threatening Hayfork Creek. According to a California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services hazardous materials spill report, the incident was reported at approximately 10:38 a.m. at 195 Hyampom Road in Hayfork which houses public safety facility that houses the Hayfork Volunteer Fire Department and Hayfork Fire Protection District. However, the incident occurred approximately an hour earlier than that.

The report states that an approximately 80-pound lithium cobalt-ion battery caught fire, releasing a mixture of magnesium, lithium and cobalt, along with an estimated 500 gallons of fire suppression water. Officials expect the runoff to reach Hayfork Creek.

Two people were reportedly exposed during the incident, though no injuries had been reported as of noon today. The spill report says a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution while firefighting and cleanup operations continued.

According to a Hayfork Volunteer Fire Department Facebook post, “Due to a battery fire releasing potentially toxic fumes, Hyampom Rd is closed from Highway 3 to Highland Dr. At this time we are taking extra precautions to keep the community safe, we appreciate the understanding and we apologize for the inconvenience.”

Emergency notifications indicate the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, Caltrans, county health officials and other agencies were notified of the incident.

Redheaded Blackbelt contacted Hayfork Fire Department and Eskaton Hayfork Manor, a senior living facility located near the fire station, but was unable to reach anyone for comment.

A CAL FIRE spokesperson confirmed that CAL FIRE personnel are assisting at the incident but said Hayfork Fire Department is the lead agency and is handling public information.

The Cal OES report identifies the incident as occurring at a commercial business and lists cleanup operations as still in progress.

This is a developing story.

Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.

UPDATE 1:00 p.m.: Hayfork Fire pointed out a work around for the closed road. They updated their Facebook post with the statement, “The 8 road is open from Hayfork to Hyampom.”