Overview
- Pasadena Fire Department declared a four-alarm incident at the GM Advanced Design Center on Sierra Madre Villa Avenue around 5:45–5:50 p.m., mobilizing more than 100 firefighters and HAZMAT units.
- Preliminary on-scene reports described burning lithium‑ion batteries and several concept or prototype cars, which complicated suppression and safety measures.
- GM stated the blaze did not spread beyond a single design concept vehicle or to the building, and said it is cooperating with authorities.
- A firefighter who issued a Mayday after becoming trapped was located and rescued without injury, and officials reported no civilian injuries.
- HAZMAT teams remained to secure the site as the cause is investigated, and officials said scene stabilization and cleanup could take days.