Bonita High School Lockdown Today: Shelter-in-Place Order Issued Amid La Verne Lithium-Ion Battery Fire

Bonita High School Lockdown Today: Shelter-in-Place Order Issued Amid La Verne Lithium-Ion Battery Fire

Bonita High School in La Verne, California, was placed under a shelter-in-place order on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as emergency crews responded to a hazardous lithium-ion battery fire at a nearby Metropolitan Water District facility.

The school was not the location of the fire. Instead, the precautionary order was issued because of the potential hazards associated with the battery blaze, including smoke and possible toxic emissions.

The incident prompted a broader emergency response across La Verne, with nearby residents evacuated and several schools and educational facilities affected.

What Happened Near Bonita High School?
The fire began at approximately 11:40 a.m. at a battery energy storage system at the Metropolitan Water District facility on Wheeler Avenue.

The battery storage system was located near a solar panel field on the northeast side of the property, which also houses the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant.

Firefighters from the La Verne Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department responded.

A small explosion occurred when crews arrived, adding to concerns about the hazards associated with the burning lithium-ion batteries.

Bonita High School Placed Under Shelter-in-Place
As firefighters worked to contain the fire, Bonita High School was among the nearby schools placed under a shelter-in-place order.

Students and staff were instructed to remain indoors as authorities managed the hazardous-materials incident.

The precaution was intended to limit exposure to smoke and potentially hazardous substances that can be released during lithium-ion battery fires.

Grace Miller Elementary School was also placed under a shelter-in-place order.

The school safety measures were part of the wider emergency response rather than an indication that the fire had spread onto the Bonita High School campus.

Evacuations Issued Around Wheeler and Bonita Avenues
While Bonita High School and other schools were placed under protective measures, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for areas near Wheeler Avenue and Bonita Avenue.

Residents inside the affected evacuation zones were told to leave immediately and follow directions from emergency personnel.

An evacuation center was established at the La Verne Community Center for people displaced by the emergency.

Some evacuation areas were later reduced or downgraded as firefighters gained greater control of the fire, although an evacuation order remained in the immediate vicinity of the Metropolitan Water District facility.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Creates Continuing Hazard
Lithium-ion battery fires can present unusual challenges because damaged batteries can retain significant amounts of stored energy even after visible flames have diminished.

Firefighters used water to cool the affected equipment and prevent the fire from spreading.

Authorities continued monitoring the battery storage system after the initial flames were brought under control.

A second battery storage unit adjacent to the original fire also became a concern after being exposed to heat.

On Wednesday morning, September 23, firefighters were monitoring rising temperatures in the second unit after it began smoking and making popping sounds.

One Person Injured
At least one civilian was taken to a hospital after being injured during the incident.

Later information from La Verne fire officials described the injury as not severe.

No death connected with the battery fire has been reported.

Emergency crews continued to monitor the facility because of the potential for additional battery activity.

Other Schools and University Affected
The emergency response extended beyond Bonita High School.

Grace Miller Elementary was also placed under a shelter-in-place order, while other nearby schools were evacuated or otherwise affected by the emergency response.

The University of La Verne evacuated its campus and canceled classes during the initial incident.

The university later announced plans to reopen.

The various protective measures reflected the changing conditions around the hazardous fire and were intended to keep students, employees and residents away from the affected area.

Was Bonita High School Evacuated?
Bonita High School was reported as being under a shelter-in-place order, rather than being the site of the fire.

The distinction is important because the fire occurred at the Metropolitan Water District facility on Wheeler Avenue.

The school was affected by the emergency because of its proximity to the incident and the potential risks associated with the battery fire.

Parents and students should rely on official school district and emergency communications for information about any subsequent changes to school operations.

Latest La Verne Fire and School Update
By September 23, the original battery storage unit was under control, but firefighters were continuing to monitor another battery unit that had been exposed to heat.

The city said the community water supply remained safe and operational despite the fire at the Metropolitan Water District property.

The immediate evacuation area around the facility remained subject to official instructions while emergency personnel continued monitoring conditions.

The situation remained active because lithium-ion batteries can retain stored energy and potentially reignite or develop additional heat after the main fire has been extinguished.