Lithium-ion battery fire in La Verne spurs neighborhood, school evacuations – Los Angeles Times

Lithium-ion battery fire in La Verne spurs neighborhood, school evacuations  Los Angeles Times

Evacuation orders were issued in La Verne on Tuesday after a hazardous lithium-ion battery fire ignited at a Metropolitan Water District of Southern California facility, authorities said. There was a "significant explosion" when firefighters from the La Verne and Los Angeles County fire departments arrived at the Wheeler Avenue facility shortly after 11:40 a.m., according La Verne Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Savage. One civilian was injured and transported to a hospital for treatment, while crews assumed a defensive position and worked to gain a handle on the burning batteries. The fire started at a battery energy storage system near a solar panel field on the northeast side at the facility, which houses Weymouth Water Treatment Plant, according to the water district.

"The safety of Metropolitan’s water supply is not affected," according to a district statement. "We are supporting our first responders as they take the appropriate steps to help ensure the health and safety of residents, employees and others in the affected area." Residents living near Wheeler and Bonita avenues were ordered to evacuate around 12:30 p.m., while shelter-in-place orders were issued at Grace Miller Elementary and Bonita High schools, according to the La Verne Police Department. Classes at the University of La Verne were canceled until further notice, and students, faculty and staff were asked to leave immediately.