Firefighters responded to a lithium battery fire at the Port of Montreal on Monday night. The blaze started around 3:15 p.m. inside a shipping container holding more than 33,000 pounds of lithium batteries.

The big picture: The fire produced a significant amount of smoke, prompting a lockdown order for nearby residents in the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. They were advised to stay indoors and shut off ventilation systems.

Emergency response: Firefighters opted to soak the exterior of the container with water rather than enter it due to safety concerns. The fire was largely contained by around 10 p.m. One firefighter sustained a minor knee injury.

• About 50 residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes because of the smoke.
• The lockdown notice was lifted around 10:30 p.m. on Monday.

Division Fire Chief Martin Guilbault explained, "The main problem with the lithium battery is that it can produce its own heat, causing a chain reaction," as reported by CTV News.

Looking ahead: The cause of the fire is still under investigation.