WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – An electric vehicle caught fire Wednesday evening, Oct 22, inside the underground garage at 2121 N. California Blvd. in Walnut Creek, prompting a 2–alarm response, evacuations inside the building, and a temporary shelter-in-place for nearby blocks.
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said crews were dispatched just after 5 p.m. to the Mount Diablo Plaza garage, where the burning vehicle caused thick, hazardous smoke. Commanders upgraded the incident to 2 alarms given the hazards of battery fires in confined spaces.
By about 6:30 p.m., firefighters reported the main body of fire knocked down, but warned they would remain on scene because the battery pack was still off-gassing. Officials advised people to steer clear of the garage and surrounding area while crews ventilated smoke.
The Sheriff’s Office issued a 6:33 p.m. shelter-in-place covering the area bounded by N. California Blvd., Pringle Ave., Riviera Ave. and Parkside Dr., citing the dangers of smoke from burning batteries. Residents were told to close windows and doors and shut off HVAC systems until an all-clear was issued later in the evening.
Fire officials said the vehicle was a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid that was charging on the third underground level when the fire started. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
What we know
- Location: Mount Diablo Plaza garage, 2121 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek.
- Timing: Fire reported just before 5:20 p.m.; 2–alarm upgrade; main knockdown around 6:30 p.m.
- Public safety steps: Temporary shelter-in-place for the surrounding blocks; later all-clear.
- Vehicle: 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, reportedly charging when the fire began.
- Injuries/Cause: No injuries reported; cause under investigation.
Why EV garage fires are challenging
Battery fires can reignite and continue to off-gas even after visible flames are out, which is why crews stayed on scene for extended monitoring and decontamination. That risk is magnified in enclosed garages where smoke can accumulate.
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