Fire Chief Warns Sunland-Tujunga About Battery Fire Risk

A Los Angeles fire chief spoke at the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council's June 10, 2026, general board meeting.

The minutes identify the speaker as LAFD Fire Batallion Chief John Ignatczyk.

He noted that all fireworks are illegal and that the Bomb Squad responds to explosive fireworks.

He also flagged the risk of improperly charged lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires and explosions through a process the minutes describe as thermal runaway.

The chief covered other fire safety topics including a recent brush fire, weather and wind conditions during fire season, and how to report brush fires.

He directed residents to WatchDuty and the Los Angeles County emergency website for real-time alerts.

He also addressed power outages during heat waves.

This post is a summary of the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council meeting on June 10, 2026. Visit the council page.