One of the biggest clean-up challenges from the Southern California fires is lithium-ion batteries, which can explode after damage or exposure to heat.

When a massive fire erupted at one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery storage facilities in Monterey County, it didn't just send a toxic plume of smoke over nearby communities — it cast a shadow of doubt over the future of California's clean energy industry.

Officials have begun testing water and soil after a fire at one of the world's largest lithium battery storage facilities.