The West Manatee Fire Rescue’s job was not finished with the passing of Hurricane Helene.
Chief Ben Rigney told The Islander Oct. 4 that the district received multiple calls regarding smoking power outlets and structure fires as power was reactivated on Anna Maria Island.
Helene was the second-deadliest hurricane to strike the mainland United States in the last 55 years, with more than 220 people dead as of Oct. 4.
Only Hurricane Katrina, which resulted in 1,392 total fatalities, has taken more lives.
While there were no deaths in the WMFR district during the storm, it resulted in a Sept. 26 structure fire at 212 76th St., Holmes Beach, that led to the total loss of property as roads flooded with 3 feet of water prevented firefighters from reaching the location.
The island reopened the following weekend and recovery and restoration efforts began immediately.
That included the reactivation of power across the island and, by Oct. 4, Juno Beach-based Florida Power & Light had restored power to Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and much of Bradenton Beach.
However, that process was not without issues.
Rigney said the record-high storm surge for the area rose past many properties’ lowest electrical outlets.
When power to those outlets was restored, many began smoking and became fire hazards, resulting in several calls regarding structure fires and fire alarms.
District staff responded to the calls by securing power at each location and advising them to contact a certified electrician.
A second major structure fire broke out Sept. 29 at 208 Oak Ave., Anna Maria, which resulted in the total loss of the residence.
While the fire occurred as efforts to restore island electricity were in the early stages, its cause remained undetermined, according to WMFR Lt. Inspector Keith Miller.
Miller told The Islander Oct. 4 that district staff attempted to investigate the property but the site was found too dangerous to dig.
Another concern became the matter of waterlogged batteries for golf carts, low-speed vehicles and electric vehicles.
The water level during the storm rose into and over the hoods of many vehicles on the island, leaving many with lithium-ion batteries with potential water damage.
Prolonged exposure to water can damage lithium-ion batteries and lead to fiery short circuits or chemical reactions.
At one Anna Maria property, the owner called WMFR for help removing an electric vehicle from a garage due to concerns about its battery bursting into flames indoors.
Training Chief Mark Tuttle led the crew that secured the vehicle without issue.
Manatee County was still determining a location for the disposal of damaged batteries as of Oct. 4 and was working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to figure out how to store the hazardous waste.
For right now, Rigney recommended people remove water-damaged batteries and place them outside, away from buildings and flammable materials — likely at the curb for many people.
The WMFR fire commission will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the district’s administrative headquarters, 701 63rd St. W., Bradenton.
Directions to attend via Zoom can be found on the district’s website, wmfr.org.