Lithium ion battery fire at Metropolitan Water District facility La Verne

Evacuation orders were issued on 22 September after a lithium ion battery fire broke out at the Metropolitan Water District facility, 3000 block of Wheeler Avenue in La Verne. The fire involved a battery energy storage system near a solar panel field on the northeast side of the property. The initial fire in one battery storage container subsided after cooling measures, but popping sounds and smoke were observed from an adjacent unit. Fire crews monitored temperatures and stood by with water to prevent spread. A small explosion occurred when firefighters arrived. One civilian employee sustained minor injuries. Evacuation orders remained in place overnight due to concerns over potential toxic smoke, with shelter in place orders also issued in parts of the area. The water supply was unaffected and the cause remains unknown.

The cause of the fire was not reported.

1. Monitor adjacent battery units for heat exposure effects during incidents.
2. Maintain cooling resources on standby when lithium ion systems are involved.
3. Pre plan evacuation zones around battery storage assets.

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