DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — The Costco along Park Meadows Center Drive in Lone Tree was evacuated on Wednesday morning due to a malfunctioning lead acid battery inside the store.
Eric Hurst, public information officer for South Metro Fire Rescue, said around 11 a.m., the department was called to investigate the smell of natural gas inside the store, which is located at 8686 Park Meadows Center Drive in Lone Tree.
When they arrived, crews did not find a gas leak, but did locate a faulty lead acid battery inside a floor cleaning machine, which was creating the natural gas odor. A Hazmat team was at the scene and removed the equipment containing the battery.
Initially, SMFR said they believed the battery was lithium ion, but later corrected to say it was a lead acid battery.
The store was evacuated. Nobody in the vicinity complained about feeling ill, Hurst said.
As of 1 p.m., crews were checking air levels inside the Costco to ensure it is safe for staff and customers to return.
