Authorities ordered evacuations in La Verne on Tuesday following a hazardous lithium-ion battery fire at a Metropolitan Water District of Southern California facility. The fire ignited around 11 a.m. in the 3200 block of Wheeler Avenue, as reported by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. They are working jointly with the La Verne Fire Department to control the situation.
The fire started in a battery energy storage system located near a solar panel array on the northeast side of the facility, where the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant is situated. The Metropolitan Water District assured that the safety of the water supply remains intact, stating, “The safety of Metropolitan’s water supply is not affected.” They emphasized supporting first responders in protecting the health and safety of nearby residents and employees.
Residents near Wheeler and Bonita avenues were evacuated, while Grace Miller Elementary and Bonita High schools received shelter-in-place orders, according to the La Verne Police Department. The University of La Verne canceled classes indefinitely, advising students, faculty, and staff to leave the campus immediately. An evacuation shelter has been established at La Verne Community Center, located at 3680 D St. A map showing the impacted areas is available for reference.
Lithium-ion battery fires pose significant challenges due to the potential for a self-sustaining chemical reaction known as thermal runaway. This reaction generates excessive heat and can spread to nearby batteries. Once it begins, thermal runaway can’t be halted, leading to prolonged burning that may last hours or even days in larger fires. Furthermore, the combustion releases toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
The precise extent of the hazardous materials fire in La Verne remains uncertain. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.