On Tuesday, the city of La Verne issued evacuation orders after a lithium-ion battery fire ignited at a Metropolitan Water District of Southern California facility. The fire started around 11 a.m. at the facility located in the 3200 block of Wheeler Avenue, as reported by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Both the county and La Verne Fire Department are actively working to control the situation.
The fire broke out at an energy storage system near a solar panel field on the facility’s northeast side, where the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant is situated, stated the district. Despite the fire, the water district assured, “The safety of Metropolitan’s water supply is not affected.” They stressed their commitment to support first responders in securing the health and safety of local residents, employees, and others impacted by the event.
The La Verne Police Department ordered evacuations for residents around Wheeler and Bonita avenues. Meanwhile, shelter-in-place orders remain for Grace Miller Elementary and Bonita High schools. The University of La Verne has canceled classes until further notice, advising students, faculty, and staff to vacate the premises immediately. Evacuees can seek shelter at the La Verne Community Center located at 3680 D St. A map detailing the evacuation areas is available for public access.
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries pose a significant challenge due to the thermal runaway phenomenon, a self-sustaining chemical reaction fueled by excessive heat that can cause the fire to spread rapidly. Once initiated, thermal runaway is unstoppable, causing batteries to burn intensely. Large fires with multiple batteries can persist for days, emitting toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
The full extent of the hazardous materials fire in La Verne remains uncertain. Updates will follow as the situation develops.
Leave a Reply