Lithium-ion battery sparked last week’s Hartung fire, officials say

The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office determined a discarded lithium-ion battery sparked the fire at the University of Idaho’s Hartung Theatre Friday morning.

Moscow Volunteer Fire Department firefighters were called to the theater around 8 a.m. Friday when it received multiple reports of flames and smoke coming from the Hartung loading dock and a box truck parked nearby, according to Chief Brian Nickerson.

The blaze set off the theater’s fire alarm and sprinkler system inside, and damaged the loading dock. Nickerson said a sprinkler head in the inside dock area kept the fire to the exterior of the building.

The fire caused exterior damage and smoke damage to the inside of the building. The box truck’s exterior was burnt, but none of the contents inside were damaged, Nickerson said.

He added no one was hurt during the incident.

An improperly disposed lithium-ion battery caused the fire, according to a news release by the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office delivered Saturday. Fire marshals determined the battery had been thrown away because it was no longer functional.

The office reminded the community that lithium-ion batteries require special attention and disposal.

They should never be thrown away with household trash as they pose a risk of fire, especially when damaged, according to the news release.

Fire marshals thanked Moscow Volunteer Fire Department firefighters for a rapid response to the blaze in the news release.