Fire Linked to Resident's Battery Disassembly Operation in LA Apartment

Firefighters responded to a blaze on the third floor of a Westlake apartment building.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A fire that broke out at a six-story apartment building in Los Angeles' Westlake neighborhood on Thursday morning was connected to a resident disassembling multiple lithium-ion batteries inside one of the units. The blaze prompted a hazardous materials response, and it took 45 firefighters 30 minutes to extinguish the flames.

Why it matters

Lithium-ion batteries can pose serious fire risks if not handled properly, especially when disassembled. This incident highlights the potential dangers of improper battery disposal or repurposing in residential settings, which could endanger other tenants and require significant emergency response resources.

The details

Firefighters responded around 6 a.m. to a call about flowing water in the area and discovered smoke coming from the third floor of the apartment building. Once they accessed the unit, they found a resident had been "disassembling multiple lithium-ion batteries," which had caught fire. The blaze required a hazardous materials response due to the nature of the materials involved.

  • The fire was reported around 6 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

The city's fire department that responded to and extinguished the blaze at the Westlake apartment building.

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What they’re saying

“Hazmat units are on scene mitigating any further issues with the smoldering batteries, as well as monitoring air quality for residents' ongoing safety.”

— Los Angeles Fire Department (Patch.com)

What’s next

The LAFD is likely investigating the cause of the fire and whether any charges will be filed against the resident for the battery disassembly operation that led to the blaze.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper battery disposal and the risks of attempting to disassemble or repurpose lithium-ion batteries, which can pose serious fire hazards in residential settings. It serves as a cautionary tale for apartment dwellers to be mindful of battery safety and to avoid any unauthorized modifications or disassembly.