Spokane firefighters say fires caused by batteries are on the rise as technology advances and that the unique flames are more difficult to fight.

A lithium battery factory was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday morning, temporarily forcing widespread evacuations in the Hillyard Neighborhood over environmental concerns. A neighbor called 911 to report the fire at 4019 E.

A Spokane lithium battery factory was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday morning. Spokane firefighters were called to 4019 E. Central Ave. just after 4 a.m., said Spokane Fire Department spokesman Justin de Ruyter. The fire was first reported by a neighbor.