Lubricant Fuels Costco Warehouse Fire

A fire turned into a hazardous-materials emergency when flames raced through the automotive-supplies section of a Costco retail warehouse.

The fire, which caused an estimated $2 million damage, was reported at 6:46 a.m. Sunday after a forklift knocked over a pallet of WD-40 - a lubricant sold in compressed form in spray cans.

The forklift’s battery cable became disconnected in the accident, causing sparks that ignited vapors from the WD-40 containers, Fire Department Capt. Brian Line said.

The fire found additional fuel in other automotive-department products, such as paints and motor oils, Line said.

One firefighter suffered a minor chemical burn to his forehead, but no other injuries were reported, Line said.

The fire was limited to a 1,000-square-foot section of the 120,000-squarefoot building.

Clean-up of hazardous materials, as well as contaminated food products, was expected to close the store indefinitely.