Northridge electric tractor fire prompts nearby evacuations

Los Angeles Fire Department crews spent several hours Friday morning controlling the burning of a Lithium-ion-powered tractor, parked inside a commercial equipment yard in Northridge.

The fire, confined to the battery compartment of the tractor, broke out around 7:30 a.m. at the Sunbelt Rentals property on W. Napa Street. 

Aerial footage showed plumes of smoke around 9 a.m., as crews were allowing the battery to burn itself out before finally extinguishing it, according to LAFD. 

Crews hosed the tractor with water to keep the involved unit from igniting other pieces of equipment -- without directly applying water to the battery. By around 12:40 p.m., LAFD and LA County Health HAZMAT reported the safe mitigation of the battery fire.

Four homes in the area were under evacuation orders, and warnings were in effect for 14 homes. The orders and warnings were lifted in the afternoon as the affected areas were deemed "safe and unaffected." 

Street closures had been in effect on Napa between Lindley and Reseda.

LA County Health HAZMAT is assisting in the proper disposal of the batteries.