Metropolitan issues latest on La Verne Battery Energy Storage System Fire

After extensive coordination and careful planning, the compromised batteries involved in last week's battery energy storage system fire at Metropolitan's La Verne facility have been safely packaged and removed from the site in accordance with applicable requirements. 

The battery energy storage system that caught fire is inert and has been deemed no risk by the La Verne Fire Department. Any battery cells from that unit that were not inert were removed and taken offsite. All of the battery cells from the second, adjacent battery energy storage system have been removed and taken offsite.

The other two units on the southwest side of the La Verne complex are out of service, in a safe condition, and will remain non-operational for the foreseeable future. They have been isolated and deenergized to a low level and are being continually monitored, consistent with direction from the La Verne Fire Department.

Fire officials, Metropolitan, its contractors, and other appropriate parties will be conducting investigations as to the cause or origin of the fire. Decisions on whether the systems will be used in the future will be deferred until those investigations have been completed and related matters have been resolved. 

We appreciate the patience, understanding, and cooperation of our La Verne community, as well as the support of the La Verne Fire Department, La Verne Police Department, and Los Angeles County Fire.