A fire that broke out in a utility battery-storage system in Escondido on Thursday forced evacuations of businesses in a surrounding industrial area and some school closures.
The blaze at the San Diego Gas and Electric facility was being fought by the Escondido Fire Department and County of San Diego Hazmat.
The evacuation area is east of Alpine Street, south of Mission Road, west of Enterprise Street, and north of Auto Park Way.
Media reports said the fire, which broke out just after noon, was limited to one large container of lithium-ion batteries.
The Escondido Union School District said Carolyn Gilbert Education Center, the Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences and Rock Springs Elementary schools would be closed on Friday because of the fire.