Officials critique Ultralife fire
By John Zornow

Newark Fire Chief James Murphy held a meeting last night to gather information and review procedures about fire and explosions Saturday at Ultralife Batteries Inc.

Attending were representatives from Ultralife, area Fire Departments, EMS personnel, and Xerox Corporation's Haz-Mat Team.

Chief Murphy thanked all involved for their help, and stressed that the meeting was intended to be a positive, learning review of the event. Each group that had responded to the scene described what their role was and what they found when arriving at the Route 88 site.

Ultralife spokesman Randy Minnamon spoke about the use of water at the site. Minnamon said that he fully supported the use of water on surrounding fire laden areas and to prevent the spread of the fire.

Sharon Baker of Ultralife said that there were no injures, no release of toxic fumes, and no danger to surrounding neighborhoods. However, Baker indicated that the company will not be recycling lithium in the future, as it is not worth the risk. Also, a separate building is being considered to house the lithium used in the manufacture of long-life batteries.

Discussion centered around what exactly is ideal for extinguishing a lithium fire. Ultralife officials indicated that ideally, it is best to let a lithium fire burn itself out. Water is effective only in MASSIVE amounts, and promotes the lithium to explode. Class D fire extinguishers (ground copper) are effective, but not readily available in large quantities. Minnamon said that the company continues to evaluate substances that can effectively extinguish a lithium fire.

At an earlier village board meeting that same day, Newark Police Chief Richard Bogan, who also is Newark Fire Department's fire investigator, told the board that this was the third incident of this type at Ultralife, and "we might as well be of the mindset that it may happen again."

Trustee Norm VandeMortel, a former Fire Chief, concurred, saying that "nothing will neutalize (a lithium fire)." VandeMortel added that there are other operations in Newark of similar types, and while this may be hard to accept, "sometimes nothing can be done."

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