Smoke from battery storage building prompts closure at West Thumb Geyser Basin

Utility staff from NorthWestern Energy reported smoke coming from a small building housing a solar-plus-battery energy storage system at West Thumb Geyser Basin, a public visitor site in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Emergency responders were dispatched and found smoke but no visible flames, and the exterior of the building was undamaged. Because battery off-gas can be corrosive and hazardous if inhaled, the surrounding public area was closed as a precaution while the batteries were allowed to fully discharge and fumes dissipated. The site remained closed for roughly two weeks while fire crews monitored conditions, and it reopened once assessed as safe. No injuries were reported and no fire damage to the structure occurred.

Not reported in available sources.

1. Battery enclosures at publicly accessible sites should have clear protocols for rapid isolation and controlled discharge in the event of smoke or off-gassing.
2. Precautionary area closures protect the public from corrosive or toxic battery fumes even when no fire is visible.
3. Emergency responders benefit from pre-established coordination with system operators on safe monitoring and discharge procedures for battery storage incidents in remote or sensitive locations.

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