Tesla lithium battery which is part of $60million Bouldercombe, Queensland green energy project bursts into flames

A giant battery manufactured by Tesla has gone up in flames at a large storage facility, with firefighters ordered not to extinguish the blaze.

The new giant lithium battery ignited at Genex Power’s Bouldercombe battery project, 20km south of Rockhampton, in Queensland, at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

However, firefighters from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services were told not to extinguish the flames.

The advice reportedly came from Tesla, with the manufacturer telling emergency services to let the fire burn out.

Firefighters remained on scene at 6.20am on Wednesday when the fire was brought under control.

There is currently a fire in one battery at the site. Crews are stationed at the site as a precaution.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have issued a statement urging residents in the area to avoid the area and stay indoors.

“Fire and rescue services remain at the scene of a fire at a building on Childs Avenue, Bouldercombe,” it said.

“The fire is currently under control and crews continue to monitor the situation. Low-level smoke is expected to remain in the area for the next few hours.

‘Local residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed, and people with respiratory conditions should keep their medicines close by.’

Queensland Police are also monitoring the situation and have said they do not consider the fire suspicious at this stage.

“Police will continue to monitor the situation as there are a large number of batteries on site and there is a possibility of the fire spreading to other units, creating a greater danger,” a spokeswoman said.

“Efforts are underway to extinguish the surrounding batteries and this may take several days.”

Genex released

A smoke warning remains in force after fire and rescue services warned residents that large amounts of smoke would be released into the area.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warned residents to stay indoors and close windows in their homes due to smoke from the major fire.

The storage facility was a project (pictured) developed by Queensland renewable energy company Genex Power, with the site being the only major large-scale battery system currently operating in Queensland.

There are no reports of injuries.

The $60 million facility houses 40 Megapack units of the lithium batteries, which were supplied by electric vehicle maker Tesla.

The first storage facility was commissioned in June this year by renewable energy company Genex Power, which developed the site.

The center is the only large-scale battery storage system operated by Genex Power in Queensland.

Although lithium batteries very rarely catch fire, they can be dangerous if they do ignite because they release toxic chemicals.

According to the EV Fire Safe website, the toxic and flammable gases released from the battery once it catches fire can cause the battery to explode.

The batteries can also cause breathing difficulties, making it very difficult for emergency services to extinguish the fire.