A Suspected EV Fire Damages GM’s California Design Studio

A massive fire struck the new General Motors’ Advanced Design Center in Pasadena on Wednesday afternoon, but at least one news report claims the recently unveiled C10 California Corvette Concept that had been designed and housed there “appears to have survived, though any water or smoke damage remains unclear.”

We reached out to GM but they were unable to provide any further details as to the status of the California Concept.

More than 100 firefighters answered the call around 5:50 p.m. at the 149,000-square-foot complex.

A spokesperson for the Pasadena Fire Department called it “one of the largest structure fires we’ve had in Pasadena in many, many years.”

The Advanced Design Center opened four years ago after a $71 million investment by GM and housed concept vehicles like the California Corvette Concept and lithium-ion batteries that have turned into a nightmare for firefighters. Experts explain that when one battery cell overheats, a chain reaction known as thermal runaway can take place, creating heat, flames, and toxic gases. Because water can trigger more reactions, such fires are usually battled with dry chemicals and controlled ventilation.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities said. Because of the thick smoke filling the building, it took more than an hour for firefighters to locate the source of the fire, which was finally labeled as “closed” at 1:21 a.m. about 7½ hours after the initial call.

“It’s a newer General Motors Design Center large facility that we’ve been boasting about for bringing new technology, design, and employment into our city,” said Lisa Derderian, spokesperson for the Pasadena Fire Department.

GM later released this statement: “We’re grateful that all employees and first responders are safe and accounted for. The isolated fire was contained to a single design concept vehicle and did not spread to any other vehicles, design concepts, or the building itself. We thank the responding fire departments for their swift action in extinguishing the fire.

Additional info:

“There was an isolated fire at the GM Pasadena Advanced Design Studio on the evening of October 22

As a precaution, the facility remains temporarily closed but we’re looking forward to welcoming staff back ASAP

We are cooperating fully with authorities in their investigation and assessing next steps.”

The LA Times article shows a photograph featuring a firefighter walking next to what appears to be this Cadillac Concept pictured in the GM promotional photos. The car is surrounded by water on the floor, but we don’t see any fire damage to it. Other vehicles can also be seen in the distance.

Source:
LA Times and HotCars

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