Spokane firefighters say fires caused by batteries are on the rise as technology advances and that the unique flames are more difficult to fight.

A lithium battery factory was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday morning, temporarily forcing widespread evacuations in the Hillyard Neighborhood over environmental concerns. A neighbor called 911 to report the fire at 4019 E.

A Spokane lithium battery factory was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday morning. Spokane firefighters were called to 4019 E. Central Ave. just after 4 a.m., said Spokane Fire Department spokesman Justin de Ruyter. The fire was first reported by a neighbor.

Three residents in a home north of the building remain evacuated and may be displaced for several days as the residence is decontaminated. Nearby businesses remain unaffected, and de Ruyter said the Fire Department is "feeling pretty safe" regarding the possible health impacts to Hillyard residents close to the fire.

Lithium-ion batteries have an internal chemistry that leads to major fires and toxic pollutants when they combust. What role can consumers play in keeping themselves and the general public safe?

A fire at a lithium-ion battery facility in Hillyard caused some evacuations on Tuesday morning and sparked hazmat concerns.

China has been at the forefront of rEVolution, so it comes as no surprise that Chinese companies are ruling the global EV battery production.