SAN MARCOS, Calif. –
A section of the Creekside Marketplace parking lot remains heavily cordoned off Thursday afternoon following a fire involving a Tesla battery storage unit.
The San Marcos Fire Department (SMFD) responded to the incident at approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday.
According to an 11:15 a.m. update on Wednesday from the City of San Marcos, the fire originated in a battery energy storage unit that powers the center’s Tesla electric vehicle charging station.
While crews brought the fire under control within one hour, the site remains an active hazard zone.
Scene Description and Closures
Extensive green privacy fencing has been erected around the charging station, obscuring the damaged equipment from public view. Yellow “Sheriff Line Do Not Cross” tape surrounds the perimeter, and a white tent has been set up inside the exclusion zone.
Witnesses at the scene observed Tesla personnel and vehicles, including several Cybertrucks, inside the cordoned area.
Approximately half of the shopping center’s parking lot is closed. The City of San Marcos confirmed that the following businesses are affected by the temporary closure:
Best Buy
Finely Home
Discovery Valley Animal Hospital
Leslie Pool Supply
Crate & Barrel Outlet
Total Wine & More
Urbane Café
CAVA
Shabu-Works
Hazard Mitigation
Fire officials stated that crews will remain on scene to monitor the unit for potential “flareups” until it can be fully decommissioned. This monitoring is standard protocol for lithium-ion battery fires, which can retain heat and re-ignite hours or days after the initial event.
No injuries or property damage extending beyond the battery enclosure have been reported.
