Evacuation orders issued in La Verne after hazardous lithium-ion fire, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/evacuation-orders-issued-in-la-verne-after-hazardous-lithium-ion-fire/ar-AA2cMsgk?ocid=BingNewsVerp)

A hazardous lithium-ion battery fire broke out at a Metropolitan Water District facility in La Verne, California, triggering a major emergency response and mandatory evacuation orders.

The incident began around midday after a small explosion occurred in an outdoor battery energy storage unit near a solar panel field at the facility on Wheeler Avenue. Because lithium-ion fires present severe hazmat risks and can release toxic gases during thermal runaway, local authorities quickly issued urgent evacuation orders for people near Wheeler and Bonita Avenue, telling residents to leave immediately for their safety.

Several schools and educational institutions in the areaincluding Grace Miller Elementary School, Bonita High School, and the University of La Vernewere placed under shelter-in-place or evacuation directives as a precaution. Emergency crews and the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene, utilizing ladder trucks and defensive water sprays to control the flames and cool remaining energized battery units, while firefighters planned to remain overnight to monitor the situation.