A fire sparked by a person disassembling lithium-ion batteries prompted a hazardous materials response Thursday morning at a Westlake apartment building.
Crews responded to a “water flow” call at 6:09 a.m. at 252 S. Rampart Boulevard and upon arrival reported smoke coming from the third floor of the modern six-story building, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Forty-five firefighters responded and within 30 minutes had extinguished the blaze, which was in a third-floor apartment, said LAFD spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton.
“HazMat units are on scene mitigating any further issues with the smoldering batteries, as well as monitoring air quality for the residents’ ongoing safety,” Middleton said.