Joint Statement of International Longshore and Warehouse Union and California Professional Firefighters
On September 26th, a big rig carrying lithium-ion batteries at the San Pedro Bay Port Complex overturned, igniting an intense fire that disrupted port operations and caused the closure of a major freeway. The batteries burned for more than 24 hours while firefighters took a defensive stance to protect the surrounding area.
Incidents like this are happening more frequently. Firefighters risk great bodily harm, even death, when responding to these emergencies. ILWU members, who ensure the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach move goods efficiently and safely, are also put at risk during these incidents.
While we understand the importance of clean energy technologies and the efforts to ensure community safety, it is our firefighters who are bearing the brunt of risks posed by this technology. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a surge in lithium-ion battery fires in vehicles on our highways and battery storage facilities.
When these fires occur, entire highways are shut down and all traffic ceases. This impacts commercial transportation and the surrounding communities. A greater concern is the health impacts on those who respond to these fires. Even when wearing the proper personal protective equipment and respirators, firefighters face dangerous exposures. A single exposure can lead to a firefighter being forced to medically retire after suffering from irreversible damage to their body.
There is a current void in preparedness to respond to lithium-ion battery emergencies. When ignited, these batteries off-gas and can shoot flames up to 10 feet high. Firefighters have no choice but to let these fires burn out because water does little to quell the flames and intense heat.
CPF and ILWU will continue to collaborate on solutions to improve safety and reduce risk in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex and beyond, including through the convening of state agencies called by Governor Newsom on Friday, September 27th on this topic.
The ILWU dispatches longshore, marine clerk, foreman and security guard labor at 14 California Ports, including the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, day and night, 365 days a year to move the nation’s cargo and provide fluidity to the global supply chain.
CPF, state council of the International Association of Firefighters, represents 35,000 professional firefighters and emergency medical services personnel across California, including the firefighters who responded to the lithium battery fire at the San Pedro Bay Port Complex.