Large Fires Break Out in California, UK, New Jersey

A large fire broke out near an AT&T building in Gardena, California, involving significant battery storage that caused a small explosion and compromised the roof, though no injuries have been reported. Firefighters are continuing to manage the situation with a focus on safety due to the hazardous battery burn-off. In Atlantic City, New Jersey, a massive fire engulfed the former New Jersey Avenue School building, which has been closed since 2012 and was slated for demolition to make way for a new administration building. The school, damaged heavily by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, was empty at the time of the fire, and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fires in both locations remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. These incidents highlight ongoing fire safety challenges in both commercial and abandoned structures across the U.S.