Pleasant Hill Fire Chief Mark Lopez Talks Recent House Fires, Lithium Battery Risks, and Seasonal Safety
Pleasant Hill Fire Chief Mark Lopez has seen a busy few weeks. With three recent structure fires in and around Pleasant Hill — two inside the city limits and one on BB Highway — residents have been asking what’s happening and how to stay safe. During an interview at the Pleasant Hill Fire Protection District headquarters, Chief Lopez sat down with PHMOmag to discuss the causes behind these fires, the growing threat posed by lithium-ion batteries, and what every homeowner should do as the seasons change.
Chief Lopez has been with the Pleasant Hill Fire Protection District for five years and oversees a department of approximately thirty-five personnel. Most are full-time, although some part-time staff members remain, including Captain Scott Rutherford, who has served the district for over thirty years. Lopez said the mix of full-time and part-time firefighters brings diverse experience to the department, especially from those who also work in other districts across the region.
Two of the recent house fires occurred inside Pleasant Hill city limits within a ten-day span. Lopez explained that each had different causes, but one is still under investigation. While he could not share specific details, he confirmed the department believes that the fire was intentionally set. The deputy chief of fire operations, Chief Bridges, is conducting the investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.
Another recent fire involved a growing concern across the nation: lithium-ion batteries. According to Lopez, the homeowner had purchased an aftermarket replacement battery for a tool, a common practice when the original battery fails. He explained that many of these knockoff batteries are manufactured overseas without regulation. When they malfunction, they can overheat, explode, and ignite anything in their vicinity.
In this case, the homeowner had at least taken the precaution of charging the battery outdoors. Even so, the battery caught fire and ignited the back of the house. The blaze occurred around 11:30 p.m., and the homeowners were awakened by the sound of glass breaking from the heat. Initially thinking it might be an intruder, they called 911. Responding police officers quickly realized a fire was underway. Firefighters arrived and made what Lopez described as a great stop, keeping the damage from becoming catastrophic.
The third fire, on BB Highway, happened at an unoccupied, recently renovated home whose owners live overseas. The home was destroyed, leaving only remnants such as a toilet and a fireplace. Lopez said the cause was likely electrical, since the house still had full service but was unattended. The new tenants were scheduled to move in on the following Monday.
Lopez said these situations demonstrate the devastating impact of fire, whether in urban or rural areas. The Pleasant Hill Fire Protection District covers 101 square miles, including large rural stretches where early detection is unlikely. When homes are empty or fires start overnight, destruction can happen quickly.
Lopez also discussed the dangers of outdoor fires as the seasons shift. Even after recent rain, much of the region remains dry, and deck materials or porch wood can easily catch fire if a recreational fire is not entirely extinguished. He advised residents to call the fire station whenever they are unsure about burn conditions. The department posts warnings online, but calling directly provides the most precise guidance. Staff will ask what a resident is burning and whether the area is cleared and safe. Weather conditions — exceptionally high winds — play a significant role.
October is Fire Prevention Month, and Lopez emphasized the importance of working smoke detectors. He said the department recommends placing small kitchen fire extinguishers in easily accessible spots, such as on the garage wall just outside the kitchen door. Many people hide extinguishers under the sink, which often requires reaching through the fire to retrieve them. He taught the PASS method: pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep the extinguisher back and forth.
Kitchen fires remain one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. Lopez said many people have never used an extinguisher and may freeze in an emergency. The department recently trained nearly 100 staff members from Cass County Public Library branches on the use of fire extinguishers, emphasizing that libraries and other paper-intensive buildings are at a high risk of fire.
As temperatures drop, another seasonal hazard emerges: overloaded electrical circuits. Lopez warned that portable heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord. If a resident smells burning, hears crackling, or notices any signs of an electrical problem, they should call 911 immediately. He emphasized that calling the fire department incurs no cost, and early intervention can prevent significant damage.
For elderly residents or anyone who cannot safely maintain their smoke detectors, the department is available to assist. Through a partnership with the American Red Cross, Pleasant Hill Fire installs one free smoke detector in any home in the district. They will also replace batteries for residents who are unable to reach their detectors. Chief Lopez encouraged anyone needing assistance to call the department’s non-emergency number at 816-540-9108.
Lopez said the department is proud to serve Pleasant Hill and encourages the community to reach out with any safety concerns, especially as weather conditions shift and fire risks change. Whether it is a question about burning brush, concerns about electrical smells, or help installing a smoke detector, he emphasized that prevention is far better than response.
“We would much rather put safety equipment in your home than be there putting out a fire,” he said.
PHMOmag thanks Chief Lopez and the Pleasant Hill Fire Protection District for their service and for taking the time to share vital information with the community.