San Marcos, California, January 22, 2026
A fire in San Marcos, California, affected a Tesla battery energy storage system at Creekside Marketplace, impacting local businesses and raising safety concerns. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, ensuring no injuries were reported. The incident underscores the importance of safety in energy technologies and the resilience of local businesses during disruption.
San Marcos, California: Fire Damages Tesla Battery Storage System at Creekside Marketplace
A Fire Incident Attracts Attention to EV Infrastructure and Safety
Early Wednesday morning, a fire broke out at the Creekside Marketplace shopping center in San Marcos, California, specifically affecting a Tesla battery energy storage system that is crucial for the center’s electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Responding quickly, the San Marcos Fire Department contained the blaze, which began around 3 a.m., within an hour, ensuring that no injuries occurred during the incident. However, approximately half of the shopping center’s parking lot remains closed due to the damage, raising concerns about operational impacts on local businesses.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions about the safety and reliability of emerging energy technologies. Local businesses, driven by entrepreneurship and innovation, are crucial to San Diego’s economy, and addressing safety protocols is vital for protecting those investments and promoting further growth.
Incident Details
The fire originated in a battery energy storage unit designed to supply power to Tesla EV chargers at the shopping center. Fire crews implemented a Hazardous Materials Request (HAZREQ) as a precaution due to the potential risks associated with industrial batteries, which can exhibit thermal runaway and release toxic gases. Fortunately, fire crews managed to control the situation swiftly, with no reported injuries or significant property damage beyond the battery enclosure.
Impact on Businesses
Several popular businesses at Creekside Marketplace are affected by the temporary closure of parts of the shopping center. The following establishments are currently dealing with operational disruptions:
- Best Buy
- Finely Home
- Discovery Valley Animal Hospital
- Leslie Pool Supply
- Crate & Barrel Outlet
- Total Wine & More
- Urbane Café
- CAVA
- Shabu-Works
The resilience of local businesses during such disruptions showcases the strong entrepreneurial spirit in San Marcos, which is vital for economic stability and growth.
Fire Hazard Mitigation
Fire officials will maintain a presence at the site to monitor the battery unit for potential flare-ups as part of standard procedure when dealing with lithium-ion battery incidents. Batteries can retain heat and may reignite hours or even days after a fire, necessitating continued vigilance for safety.
Background on Battery Energy Storage Systems
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) like Tesla’s Megapack are increasingly significant in modern energy management. These systems provide not only backup power during outages but also assist in stabilizing the electrical grid by balancing supply and demand. Each Megapack can store up to 3.9 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, which makes such technologies critical for expanding the use of renewable energy and enhancing infrastructure resilience.
Recent Incidents Involving Battery Storage Fires
This incident in San Marcos is part of a broader pattern, as recent years have seen several battery storage fires in California, raising concerns over safety protocols. In January 2025, a fire at Vistra Energy’s Moss Landing facility resulted in significant damage and prompted evacuations—underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures for large-scale battery installations.
Conclusion
The situation at Creekside Marketplace continues to be monitored by the San Marcos Fire Department as they investigate the fire’s cause and work to ensure public safety and support for the affected businesses. The resilience of local entrepreneurs during temporary setbacks like these is commendable, underscoring the need for robust safety regulations that will promote sustainable growth in San Diego County’s economy.
FAQ
What caused the fire at Creekside Marketplace?
The cause of the fire is under investigation. It originated in a battery energy storage unit that powers the Tesla EV chargers at the center.
Were there any injuries reported?
No injuries were reported in connection with the fire.
Which businesses are affected by the temporary closure?
The following businesses are affected by the temporary closure: Best Buy, Finely Home, Discovery Valley Animal Hospital, Leslie Pool Supply, Crate & Barrel Outlet, Total Wine & More, Urbane Café, CAVA, and Shabu-Works.
What is a battery energy storage system?
A battery energy storage system (BESS) stores electricity for later use, providing backup power during outages and helping to balance supply and demand on the electrical grid. Tesla’s Megapack is a large-scale rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed for such applications.
Have there been other incidents involving battery storage fires in California?
Yes, in January 2025, a fire at Vistra Energy’s Moss Landing facility destroyed a significant portion of one of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery stations, prompting evacuations and raising concerns about the safety of large-scale battery installations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Creekside Marketplace, San Marcos, California |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 3 a.m. on Wednesday |
| Cause of Fire | Under investigation; originated in a battery energy storage unit |
| Response Time | Firefighters brought the blaze under control within an hour |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Business Impact | Temporary closure of approximately half of the shopping center’s parking lot; affected businesses include Best Buy, Finely Home, Discovery Valley Animal Hospital, Leslie Pool Supply, Crate & Barrel Outlet, Total Wine & More, Urbane Café, CAVA, and Shabu-Works |
| Fire Hazard Mitigation | Fire crews remain on scene to monitor the unit for potential flare-ups until it can be fully decommissioned |
| Background on BESS | Battery energy storage systems store electricity for later use, providing backup power during outages and helping to balance supply and demand on the electrical grid; Tesla’s Megapack is a large-scale rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed for such applications |
| Recent Incidents | In January 2025, a fire at Vistra Energy’s Moss Landing facility destroyed a significant portion of one of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery stations, prompting evacuations and raising concerns about the safety of large-scale battery installations |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
