Supervisors flag battery storage and solar projects over fire and safety concerns

County supervisors discussed inquiries from MidAmerican Energy about battery storage facilities and larger solar projects on land in the county. One supervisor described safety and operational concerns for volunteer fire departments, noting local departments could be engaged fighting a battery-storage fire that is difficult to extinguish and could leave surrounding areas unprotected.

In describing the hazard, a supervisor said: “they can still burn and once they start burning, they just burn,” stressing that specialized response and mutual-aid planning are essential if such facilities are sited in the county. Supervisors asked staff to follow up with MidAmerican Energy, evaluate training and equipment needs for local fire departments, and consider permitting or conditional-use reviews tied to public-safety assurances.