Lithium-ion batteries suspected in Tacoma scrap-metal fire

TACOMA, Wash. -- Firefighters suspect 'spontaneous combustion' of lithium-ion batteries in some electronic equipment started a scrap-metal fire at a Tacoma metal yard.

The fire at Simon Metals on E. River Street broke out around 2 a.m. and sent a billow of acrid smoke across the Tacoma tide-flats that was visible from I-5.

Firefighters got the blaze mostly knocked down about 45 minutes later, but the pile has been smoldering since and continues to belch out smoke into mid Monday morning as firefighters dismantled the pile to douse the hot spots.

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Port of Tacoma officials said suspended terminal operations due to poor air quality, and fire officials said those bothered by the smoke should remain indoors.