A lithium-ion battery fire in La Verne, California, prompted evacuations, school safety measures and a major emergency response Tuesday after a fire broke out at a Metropolitan Water District facility on Wheeler Avenue.
The fire was reported at approximately 11:40 a.m. on September 22 at a battery energy storage system near a solar panel field at the facility, which houses the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant. Firefighters from the La Verne Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene.
The incident raised concerns because lithium-ion battery fires can remain hazardous even after visible flames are reduced. Officials kept crews on scene to monitor and cool the affected batteries.
Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Reported in La Verne
The fire occurred at the Metropolitan Water District facility at 3201 Wheeler Avenue, where energy generated through solar panels is stored in a lithium battery system.
Firefighters reported a small explosion when they initially arrived at the battery storage area. Crews then worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the facility.
By shortly after 3 p.m., Los Angeles County Fire Department officials reported that the fire had been knocked down. Firefighters continued monitoring the area because additional batteries remained at the site and could pose a renewed hazard.
Evacuations Issued Around Wheeler and Bonita Avenues
The hazardous fire prompted evacuation orders for areas surrounding the facility.
Residents near Wheeler and Bonita avenues were ordered to leave, while people in nearby areas were instructed to shelter in place and keep windows and doors closed.
Some evacuation areas were later downgraded to warnings, although an evacuation order remained in effect for properties closest to the facility as officials continued monitoring the situation.
The city later identified the remaining evacuation area as bounded by Moreno Avenue to the west, Foothill Boulevard to the north, B Street to the east and Paseo Drive, Winterhaven Drive and Kendrick Drive to the south.
La Verne Fire Today: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Lithium-ion battery fire |
| Date | September 22, 2026 |
| Location | Metropolitan Water District facility |
| Address | 3201 Wheeler Avenue, La Verne, California |
| Facility | Weymouth Water Treatment Plant |
| Fire reported | About 11:40 a.m. |
| Cause | Under investigation |
| Injuries | One employee suffered minor injuries |
| Evacuations | Issued in surrounding areas |
| Schools affected | Multiple nearby schools |
| Water supply | Reported unaffected |
| Fire status | Knocked down, with continued monitoring |
Schools and University Affected
The fire response also affected nearby schools and the University of La Verne.
Grace Miller Elementary School and Bonita High School were placed under shelter-in-place orders during the emergency. Other schools, including Damien High School and Holy Name of Mary School, were also affected by evacuations or safety measures.
The University of La Verne canceled classes and directed students, faculty and staff to leave the campus.
The measures were taken as a precaution because of the potential hazards associated with the battery fire and smoke.
One Employee Injured
One employee at the facility suffered minor injuries during the incident and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
According to the La Verne Fire Department, the person was assessed and treated, with the available report indicating the injuries were not considered severe. No firefighter injuries were reported in the initial response.
Authorities continued to monitor the battery storage area because of the possibility that additional batteries could heat up after exposure to the fire.
Water Supply Not Affected
Despite the fire occurring at a facility that houses the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant, officials said the incident did not affect the community’s water supply.
The Metropolitan Water District said the water supply remained operational and safe, while firefighters and other agencies continued working to control the battery fire.
The distinction is important because the fire occurred at a major water facility, but officials reported that the fire did not compromise the area’s water service.
Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Can Be Difficult to Control
Lithium-ion battery fires can present unusual challenges for firefighters because damaged or overheated batteries can undergo a process known as thermal runaway.
This can cause batteries to continue generating heat and potentially ignite nearby battery cells even after the main flames appear to have been reduced.
For that reason, firefighters continued applying water and monitoring the storage system after the primary fire was knocked down. Officials said additional batteries at the site remained a concern.
Cause of La Verne Fire Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not been established.
Officials are continuing to investigate what led to the battery storage system catching fire and the reported explosion at the facility.
No specific mechanical failure, electrical problem or other cause should be attributed to the incident until investigators release confirmed findings.
Evacuation Area Gradually Reduced
As firefighters gained control of the blaze, some evacuation orders were lifted or reduced to warnings.
However, officials continued to keep residents away from the immediate area because the battery system remained potentially hazardous.
The city’s latest update indicated that crews were continuing to cool and monitor the original battery storage unit while a second storage unit showed signs of fire activity and was also being watched closely.
La Verne Fire Response Continues
The fire brought together La Verne firefighters, Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel, police, the Metropolitan Water District and air-quality officials.
Authorities also monitored smoke and potential water runoff associated with the firefighting operation.
As the situation developed, residents were advised to follow evacuation instructions and rely on official emergency communications for changes to the affected area.
The fire caused significant disruption in La Verne, but officials reported that the community’s water supply was not affected and that the main fire had been knocked down.
Disclaimer
This article is based on reports and official information concerning the lithium-ion battery fire at the Metropolitan Water District facility in La Verne, California, on September 22, 2026. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Details concerning evacuation areas and safety instructions can change as authorities respond to the incident. Readers in the affected area should follow current instructions from local emergency officials rather than relying solely on this report.