Public Safety · September 22, 2026

Battery fire at La Verne facility prompts evacuations

A fire involving lithium-ion batteries led to evacuation orders near a Southern California water facility.

A lithium-ion battery fire at a Metropolitan Water District facility in La Verne prompted evacuation orders on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Times. Firefighters reported a significant explosion after arriving. See the original reporting for the latest details and local official updates for active safety guidance.

What it means locally

The fire was reported at a Metropolitan Water District facility in La Verne. The Los Angeles Times reported an explosion after firefighters arrived and evacuation orders affecting nearby areas, including a school. Lithium-ion battery incidents can present unusual firefighting challenges.

This account describes what was reported on September 22 and should not be treated as a live evacuation notice. Residents seeking the current status should consult the fire department and local emergency alerts. The original report contains additional details and updates.

Original source and further details: Los Angeles Times →