Concept cars destroyed at a fire in a design studio - lithium batteries suspected to be the cause
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A four-alarm fire at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena has raised serious concerns about lithium-ion battery safety after concept vehicles were consumed in the blaze.
On the evening of October 22, 2025, a massive fire started at General Motors’ Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California, triggering a four-alarm emergency response and drawing over 100 firefighters from five cities.
The fire, which began around 5:45 p.m., was possibly fuelled by lithium-ion batteries and at least one internal combustion engine (ICE) prototype vehicle housed within the facility.
🔥 Blaze at GM’s $71M Design Hub Sparks Battery Safety Debate
According to a report from Pasadena Now, the fire started around 5:50 p.m. and rapidly intensified into a four-alarm fire, possibly fuelled by lithium-ion batteries and an ICE-powered prototype vehicle within the building. More than 100 firefighters and a hazardous materials team were called to the scene.
The fire was officially declared under control at 1:21 a.m. the following morning, but not before thick smoke filled the 150,000-square-foot studio, forcing firefighters to navigate blind through the building. One firefighter issued a MAYDAY call and was safely rescued without injury.
💥 Lithium-Ion Batteries: Suspected Ignition Source
While the exact cause remains under investigation, early reports suggest that lithium-ion batteries may have triggered the fire. These batteries, common in electric vehicles, are known to pose risks of thermal runaway—a chain reaction that can cause re-ignition even after flames are extinguished. Toxic gases emitted during battery fires further complicated containment efforts, prompting the deployment of hazardous materials teams.
GM confirmed that the fire was “isolated to a single design concept vehicle” and did not spread to other prototypes or infrastructure. However, multiple sources, including CBS Los Angeles, reported that several concept cars were damaged or destroyed.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation late Wednesday as crews continued to battle the fire, which was complicated by the presence of lithium-ion batteries inside the building. It's unclear if the batteries were being stored inside or if they were a part of the cars being developed by the company.
Firefighters claimed it being difficult for crews to locate the fire , where multiple concept cars being developed by GM were located. The cleanup could take days. Hazmat teams will be on the scene to help secure the incident and provide safety for firefighters.
🚗 What Was Lost?
The facility, which opened in mid-2024 following a $71 million investment, was a hub for GM’s future mobility efforts. It had recently produced the California Corvette Concept and was rumoured to be developing a four-door electric SUV under the Camaro name. GM has not confirmed which vehicles were affected, but the loss of even one concept car represents a significant setback in design timelines and innovation momentum.
🏗️ Facility Impact and Recovery
The Pasadena studio is temporarily closed while authorities assess the damage and investigate the fire’s origin. Water and smoke damage extended beyond the immediate fire zone, and cleanup is expected to take several days. GM has pledged full cooperation with investigators and expressed gratitude that all employees and first responders are safe.
City officials, including Pasadena’s chief communications officer Lisa Derderian, called the incident one of the largest structure fires in recent memory.
⚠️ Broader Implications
The fire has reignited debate over the safety of lithium-ion batteries in industrial and design environments. As automakers accelerate toward electrification, the need for robust fire suppression systems and battery containment protocols becomes increasingly urgent. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of high-tech R&D facilities to material hazards inherent in next-generation vehicle development.
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