Major Fire Breaks Out at Battery Storage Facility

Emergency crews respond to a significant fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant's battery storage facility.

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News Summary

A significant fire erupted at the Moss Landing Power Plant’s battery storage facility on Thursday, prompting evacuations and safety measures for the community. Approximately 1,500 residents were evacuated as officials responded to the situation. The blaze, burning through a building housing tens of thousands of lithium batteries, poses health risks due to the smoke produced. Fire crews are monitoring the situation closely, employing drones to assess air quality while an investigation into the cause of the fire is planned by Vistra Energy once it is under control.

Major Fire Breaks Out at Battery Storage Facility

On a sunny Thursday afternoon, a significant fire ignited at the Moss Landing Power Plant’s battery storage facility, sending shockwaves through the community. Managed by Vistra Energy, this facility is home to one of the world’s largest battery storage systems, housing tens of thousands of lithium batteries. As the fire raged on, safety became a top priority.

Evacuations and Road Closures

With safety on everyone’s minds, it wasn’t long before local officials sprang into action. An evacuation order was issued just before 7 p.m., leading approximately 1,500 residents from Moss Landing and the nearby Elkhorn Slough area to pack their bags and head for safety. Highway 1 was also closed at Salinas Road and Merritt Street, leaving many wondering when they would be able to travel this crucial route again.

Fire Details

The blaze was first noticed around 3 p.m., and by 9 p.m., it was still burning, with smoke visible from a distance. Thankfully, the Vistra personnel had already evacuated the area safely before the fire spread. This isn’t the first time the facility has experienced a fire—there were previous incidents in 2021 and 2022 caused by malfunctions in the fire sprinkler systems. This latest incident, however, has left many asking questions about its cause.

Community Concerns

Local leaders are expressing their worries as events unfold. While Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church labeled the situation a disaster, he reassured residents that he did not anticipate the fire spreading beyond the concrete building that contains the batteries. Nevertheless, the threat it posed to the surrounding area heightened concern among citizens.

Impact on Local Schools and Health Advisory

In response to the emergency, the North Monterey County Unified School District made the decision to close all schools and offices on Friday. In addition to the evacuation orders, local health officials are advising residents to keep their windows and doors shut to mitigate the risks of inhaling potentially hazardous air. Santa Cruz County’s public health officials echoed these views, urging residents to remain indoors and limit air circulation.

Monitoring the Situation

As firefighters carefully monitored the blaze, they faced unique challenges. Traditional firefighting methods involving water were off the table, as water can exacerbate battery fires. Instead, crews utilized drones deployed by the sheriff’s office to keep a close eye on the situation and assess air quality in the area.

Evacuation Centers and Investigations

A temporary evacuation center was set up at the Castroville Recreation Center to accommodate those displaced by the fire. The situation remains fluid as officials brace for the fire to either burn out or be contained. Vistra Energy has pledged to initiate an investigation into what triggered this latest fire once it has been safely extinguished.

Calls for Transparency

Community leaders, including Assemblymember Dawn Addis and U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta, have expressed their deep concerns regarding safety at the battery storage facility. They emphasize the importance of transparent communication moving forward.

Fire Size and Damage Assessment

The battery storage building, which spans around 50,000 square feet, has seen significant damage, with about 40% reported as burned by 11 p.m. Thursday evening. As the fire continues to unfold, local residents and officials alike remain committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding this event and ensuring the safety of the community.

For now, the focus remains on the health and safety of residents and monitoring the situation as it develops.