Forklift Fire Prompts Evacuations, Air-Quality Concerns In Northridge

NORTHRIDGE, CA — A battery-powered forklift caught fire at a commercial building in Northridge, prompting evacuations and air-quality monitoring.

The fire was reported at around 7:30 a.m. at Sunbelt Rentals, 18251 W. Napa St. Firefighters arrived to find an electric forklift "well involved with fire," according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

"Crews are performing air monitoring and evacuating surrounding occupancies as a precaution. Crews are protecting surrounding occupancies while they safely let the forklift burn itself out," the LAFD said.

Thick smoke continued to rise from the building after 9 a.m.

Video aired by KTLA showed a fire burning unrelentingly as firefighters continuously sprayed water on it, reflecting one of the unique properties of battery fires.

No injuries have been reported.

City News Service contributed to this report.