On May 3 this year, a Wrangler 4xe burst into flames while “topping off” at Google’s Mountain View campus. The fire leapt to two nearby Teslas and a Honda before crews knocked it down, leaving a $275 k reminder that batteries can bite. A couple of years earlier the gigantic Moss Landing battery-storage site lit up the night—twice—shutting down Highway 1 and making every facilities manager within 50 miles swallow hard. If your garage now hosts EV chargers (or is about to), you’re standing on tomorrow’s headline. Let’s keep you out of it.

Lithium-ion cells pack a shocking amount of energy into tight quarters. Over-charge them, dent them, or give them a manufacturing flaw and they can enter thermal runaway—an unstoppable chain reaction that rockets internal temps past 1,000 °F, vents flammable electrolyte, and spews toxic gases. Water alone can’t cool them fast enough, CO₂ won’t smother them, and cells can reignite hours later. Translation: your standard sprinkler system is basically a garden hose at a bonfire.

Need a cheat sheet your building engineers can tuck into a clipboard? Download our PDF covering daily visual checks, weekly thermal-camera scans, monthly alarm tests, and an annual ESS shutdown drill. Post it beside the lock-out/tag-out board and you’re already ahead of half your competitors.

Fire & Electric Inc. has wired, alarmed, and protected Bay-Area buildings for 30 years. Because we handle both the electric and the fire-alarm sides of the equation, our team can size breakers, install addressable gas detection, and tie everything into our 24/7 UL-listed monitoring center—all in one visit. Ready to bullet-proof your chargers and sleep easier? Book a no-obligation site walk with Fire & Electric today, and keep tomorrow’s news crew someplace else.

South San Francisco, often referred to as "South City," is a charming suburb located just south of San Francisco, California. Nestled near the bay, it offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and the surrounding hills. This area is known for its strong sense of community and beautiful parks, such as the renowned Orange Memorial Park, which features sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas—perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can also explore the city’s rich history at the South San Francisco Historical Society Museum, where exhibitions showcase the area’s development and significance over the years. For those looking for recreational activities, South San Francisco has a variety of options to choose from. The city’s proximity to the Bay offers opportunities for hiking and biking trails, especially along the Oyster Point Trail, which provides scenic views of the water and is great for both casual walkers and serious cyclists. Food lovers will revel in the diverse culinary scene, which ranges from local diners to upscale restaurants serving everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Additionally, South San Francisco hosts community events and farmers' markets, making it an inviting place to experience local culture and connect with residents. Whether you’re in town for a day or planning a longer stay, South San Francisco is a delightful destination packed with activities for everyone.