GM's Pasadena Design Center Rocked by Major Blaze, Over 100 Firefighters Respond

Fire at GM's California Design Center Destroys Concept Car.

A destructive fire ripped through General Motors' Advanced Design Center in Pasadena on Wednesday evening, triggering a massive emergency response and highlighting the unique dangers of battling blazes involving electric vehicle technology.

The incident, which required a four-alarm response, drew crews from multiple cities to the facility on Sierra Madre Villa Avenue. Firefighters faced a complex and volatile situation, as the building housed prototype vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. These batteries pose a significant challenge, capable of intense, hard-to-control fires that can reignite hours later.

“This is one of the largest structure fires we’ve had in Pasadena in many, many years,” confirmed Pasadena Fire Department spokesperson Lisa Derderian.

While the fire was knocked down by 7:22 p.m., crews remained on site overnight to manage hot spots and hazardous materials. One firefighter was briefly trapped inside during the operation but was rescued by his team and did not require hospitalization. “It was a very tense few minutes until they confirmed he was OK,” Derderian added.

Early reports indicate damage to both electric and gasoline-powered prototypes. However, in a piece of positive news for GM, the eye-catching California Corvette Concept, an all-electric design study, is reported to have survived the incident, though potential smoke or heat damage is still being assessed.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation, a process officials warn could take days due to the complex and hazardous environment. The event serves as a stark reminder of the new firefighting challenges presented by the very technologies being developed within the center's walls.