A lithium-ion battery fire at an energy storage facility in La Verne, California, has prompted a Hazmat response and a mandatory evacuation order.
The fire involves battery storage at a commercial facility in the area of Wheeler Avenue. It was first reported around 11:43 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) and local emergency crews are at the scene responding to the incident.
Mandatory evacuation order
A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for areas near Wheeler Avenue and Bonita Avenue.
An alert from the La Verne Police Department stated, “Hazmat Incident. An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued for every one near Wheeler and Bonita Avenue. Gather family and LEAVE NOW. Your safety is in danger if you stay. Use caution while evacuating. Follow instructions from emergency personnel. If you need emergency assistance, dial 911. Alertla.org for more information.”
Evacuations have been issued for:
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Schools under shelter-in-place order
Grace Miller Elementary School on Holly Oak Street, about a block from the fire, was placed under a shelter-in-place order as a precaution.
Students and staff at Bonita High School on D Street were also instructed to remain indoors while emergency crews respond to the incident.
According to Eyewitness News, Holy Name of Mary School, Damien High School and the University of La Verne were also evacuated. In its websitethe university said all classes were canceled Tuesday due to “nearby hazmat fire.”
Ramona Middle School was also affected by the incident.
One parents told Eyewitness News“They’re blocking off Wheeler, so it makes it a little hectic but scary at the same time, so we’re just here getting the kids out of safety.”
Another parent added, “We got it on our phones, the emergency message to evacuate our facility. So might as well come get the kids, make sure they’re safe. In La Verne, we’ve never seen these kind of things.”
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Roads closed
Several roads near the fire may be closed to traffic as firefighters work at the scene.
Officials said Foothill Boulevard between Moreno Avenue and B Street could be blocked.
No injuries have been reported so far.