Preview of Marici? BESS Fire and Evacuations in La Verne
This is exactly what we're fighting so hard to protect you from:
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZmnzj1oGu8
On Tuesday, a 1 megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) experienced an explosion, thermal runaway, and fire, resulting in evacuation zones affecting residents up to 1.5 miles away. The primary concern was the toxic smoke coming from the burning batteries.
And then on Wednesday, the BESS unit that was on fire and the BESS unit next to it started heating up again, requiring firefighters to continue spraying water to cool the batteries:
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uvpyuqwXnI
As of the writing of this update on Wednesday night, 504 families are still under mandatory evacuation and not allowed to return to their homes. Again, the primary concern is that the "fire rapidly grows and a plume of smoke would travel through the city," affecting the air quality for surrounding areas.
These are brand new batteries installed in June of this year, and the BESS is 1 megawatt in capacity. But we continuously hear from BESS developers/manufacturers that new batteries have better technology and are more resistant to fires and thermal runaway. I guess anything is possible...
Now imagine 400 or more of these units across the street from Hacienda Heights homes. This is the soon-to-be reality of the 400-megawatt, 9.2 acre Marici BESS project in City of Industry.
What happens when a BESS unit in the middle of the 9.2 acre cluster explodes and has a fire? Will it spread to the BESS units that surround it on all sides? How quickly can firefighters respond to a fire in the middle of the 9.2 acre BESS cluster? How close can the firefighters get to the burning BESS in the middle of the 9.2 acre cluster? These are just a few of the many unanswered questions that make it so important and necessary to perform a full Environmental Impact Report under CEQA law.
For a hypothetical fire at the Marici BESS site on Gale Ave during adverse wind conditions, up to 5,000 homes could be affected by evacuation zones. This would also likely trigger a closure of both directions of the 60 freeway between Hacienda Blvd and Azusa Ave, creating substantial regional traffic disruptions.
Are you willing to bet your safety on the word of the people who stand to profit from this BESS? Don't leave this up to chance! Sign the petition to urge the LA County Board of Supervisors to intervene regarding the Marici BESS project.
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Meet PHCPA at the 10th Annual RHCCC BBQ on Friday!
PHCPA will have a table at RHCCC's annual free community BBQ! Come chat with us about your concerns, learn about our progress and what actions you can take to protect our community. We'll have freebies, yard signs for sale, and other surprises for the entire family.
The RHCCC BBQ is free to attend and the food is also free! It's a family-friendly event and all are welcome -- you don't need to be a Rowland Heights resident to attend. (I'm looking at you, Hacienda Heights friends!)
When: Friday, September 25th from 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Rowland Heights Community Center, 18150 Pathfinder Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
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Upcoming Events | Save the Dates!
- September 25th: PHCPA at Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council 10th Annual BBQ
- September 26th: Hacienda Heights neighborhood canvassing
- October 8th: Habit Burger & Grill fundraiser
- October 17th: PHCPA at Buckboard Days
- October 18th: Rally against data centers and BESS at Schabarum Park
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Keep Us in the Fight!
Will you help us raise $15,000 by the beginning of October? You can donate, host your own fundraiser, or seek donations from your local businesses.
Since last Monday, the community has donated over $5,200! Will you help keep up this momentum?
Zelle/Venmo: @donatePHCPA
Mailed checks are OK too! (Instructions on the donation page)
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PHCPA is currently engaged in public interest litigation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), challenging the adequacy of the environmental review adopted for the 9.2-acre, 400-megawatt Marici Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project located across the street from Hacienda Heights residents.
We are also working to oppose the proposed AI data center at the Puente Hills Mall.
Your donation directly supports PHCPA's ability to stay in the fight for the community.
*PHCPA is a California nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.