How a Battery Room Blaze Disrupted X and Exposed Data Center Risks
How a Battery Room Blaze Disrupted X and Exposed Data Center Risks
On May 22, 2025, a fire broke out at a data center in Hillsboro, Oregon, leased by X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, causing a widespread global outage that left users unable to post, message, or log in for hours. The incident, which unfolded around 10:20 AM PDT, has raised fresh concerns about data center safety and the reliability of critical digital infrastructure. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what it means for the future.
The Incident: Fire in the Battery Room
The fire originated in a battery room at the Hillsboro Technology Park, a facility operated by Digital Realty at 6675 NE 62nd Ave. The batteries, likely lithium-ion, were part of the data center’s backup power system. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue responded swiftly, containing the blaze to the battery room by around 3:30 PM after a five-hour battle. Thick smoke filled the facility, but no injuries were reported, and all personnel were safely evacuated. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with officials examining whether battery maintenance or safety protocols played a role.
Impact on X and Its Users
The fire triggered a significant outage for X, with thousands of users worldwide reporting issues. According to Downdetector.com, nearly 6,000 complaints flooded in by May 23, citing problems with posting, messaging, and account access. X’s engineering team confirmed the data center outage as the cause and worked to reroute services to other facilities. By late May 22, most services were restored, but the incident disrupted millions of users who rely on X for real-time communication, news, and networking.
This isn’t X’s first brush with infrastructure challenges. In March 2025, a major outage was initially blamed on a cyberattack but later linked to internal security lapses. The Hillsboro fire underscores the platform’s vulnerability to physical infrastructure failures, raising questions about redundancy and resilience in its global operations.
Why Lithium-Ion Batteries Are a Growing Concern
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in data centers for backup power, are powerful but volatile. When improperly maintained or exposed to faults, they can ignite, producing intense fires that are difficult to extinguish. Globally, data centers have faced costly blazes linked to these batteries, with inadequate safety measures often cited as a factor. The Hillsboro incident adds to this troubling trend, prompting calls for stricter regulations and better battery management protocols in the tech industry.
Hillsboro’s Data Center Boom and Local Tensions
Hillsboro, located in Oregon’s tech corridor, is a hub for data centers due to its proximity to renewable energy sources and favorable tax incentives. However, the rapid expansion of these facilities has strained the local power grid and driven up utility costs for residents. The fire has amplified local concerns, with some pointing to proposed legislation like House Bill 3546, which aims to regulate data center energy use and emissions. Critics argue that the economic benefits of data centers—jobs and tax revenue—must be balanced against their environmental and infrastructural impact.
What’s Next for X and Data Center Safety?
For X, the outage is a stark reminder of the need for robust contingency plans. The platform’s reliance on a single data center for critical operations highlights potential weaknesses in its infrastructure. As X continues to grow under Musk’s leadership, investing in redundant systems and geographically diverse facilities will be crucial to prevent future disruptions.
For the broader tech industry, the Hillsboro fire is a wake-up call. Data centers are the backbone of our digital world, powering everything from social media to cloud computing. Ensuring their safety—particularly around volatile components like lithium-ion batteries—requires rigorous standards, regular inspections, and innovative fire suppression systems.
Takeaways for Tech and Communities
The May 22 fire at the Hillsboro data center serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. For tech companies, it’s a reminder to prioritize infrastructure resilience and safety. For communities like Hillsboro, it’s an opportunity to push for policies that balance economic growth with environmental and social sustainability. As investigations into the fire’s cause continue, one thing is clear: the stakes for reliable, safe digital infrastructure have never been higher.
If you’re an X user or live near a data center, what’s your take on this incident? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
