La Verne Evacuations Persist Overnight After MWD Lithium Battery Fire

Key points

• Fire broke out around 11:40 a.m. at the MWD facility in the 3000 block of Wheeler Avenue, involving a battery energy storage system near a solar field.
• Evacuation orders were issued for areas near Wheeler and Bonita Avenues, while residents east of Wheeler Avenue were ordered to shelter in place.
• Grace Miller Elementary and Bonita High School were placed under shelter-in-place orders, and the University of La Verne canceled classes.
• The initial fire was controlled by 8 p.m., but crews monitored a second battery unit for potential ignition due to heat exposure.
• One civilian employee was hospitalized with minor injuries; no firefighters were hurt despite a small explosion during initial response.

Background

This incident follows a series of significant wildfire evacuations in California earlier in 2026, including the Bug and Stallion fires in Nevada and the Plaskett and Timber fires in Big Sur. Those events highlighted the region's vulnerability to rapid-fire spread and the logistical challenges of mass evacuations, though this La Verne incident involved a different hazard profile related to energy storage infrastructure.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and NBC Los Angeles focused on the immediate evacuation orders and shelter-in-place directives for schools and residents. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune provided detailed updates on the overnight monitoring of a second battery unit, noting that while the initial fire was out, the situation remained 'dynamic' and 'unpredictable.' MyNewsLA.com emphasized the defensive posture of fire crews and the specific location of the fire within the MWD grounds. All sources agreed that the water supply was not affected, but the Tribune highlighted the potential for expanded evacuations if the second unit ignited.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the risks associated with large-scale lithium-ion battery storage systems, particularly when located near critical infrastructure like water treatment plants. The prolonged evacuation and shelter-in-place orders demonstrate the precautionary measures taken to protect public health from potential toxic off-gassing, highlighting the need for robust safety protocols in energy storage facilities.

What to watch

Authorities plan to re-evaluate the situation in the morning to determine if evacuation orders can be lifted. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and crews will continue to monitor the temperature of the second battery unit to prevent any further incidents.