Electric vehicle fire in Walnut Creek parking garage prompts 2-alarm response

By Jose Fabian

Contra Costa Fire Protection District crews responded to an electric vehicle fire in Walnut Creek on Wednesday.

Around 5:20 p.m., crews went to 2121 North California Boulevard for a report of a fire inside the underground parking garage of a building. Con Fire said they called a second alarm for the electric vehicle fire and asked people to avoid the area. 

By 6:30 p.m., Con Fire said crews had knocked down the fire, and they said the vehicle was a plug-in hybrid that had been charging just before the fire started.

Firefighters will have to stay at the scene as the batteries are still off-gassing.

Con Fire advised residents bordered by North California Boulevard, Pringle Avenue, Riviera Avenue and Parkside Drive to shelter in place and close their windows and doors. The advisory was issued so residents could avoid inhaling any fumes from the fire.