Firefighters from three departments responded to a fire at Panasonic Energy in De Soto early Wednesday morning.
Northwest Consolidated Fire District (NWCFD) crews were first called to the facility, 10301 Astra Parkway, at 2:09 a.m. for a fire alarm.
Arriving firefighters reported that the building was being evacuated and no smoke or fire was visible from outside.
In a news release, NWCFD Fire Chief Todd Maxton says investigating firefighters found smoke inside the building and requested additional crews to assist.
“Firefighters subsequently located a fire involving batteries within battery racks in a testing area of the facility,” Maxton said in the release. “The facility’s fire suppression system operated as designed and contained the fire to the affected battery racks.”
A statement from a Panasonic spokesperson says day shift will operate with minimal disruptions.
“We are thankful that there are no reported injuries this morning and for the actions of first responders,” the spokesperson said. “An investigation is ongoing.”
Firefighters remained on scene until shortly before 7 a.m. to assist with removing the affected equipment from the facility.
NWCFD crews were assisted by the Olathe and Lenexa fire departments along with Johnson County Med-Act paramedics.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
