Evacuation orders remain in effect following a fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant, a major battery storage facility in California. The fire raised concerns about toxic hydrogen fluoride, leading to evacuation of 2,000 residents. Monitoring efforts continue, and no injuries have been reported. The incident highlights challenges in managing large-scale battery facilities.
Evacuation orders remain in effect after a fire erupted Thursday at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, a critical battery storage facility.
Incident Overview
The fire broke out around 3 p.m. Thursday, leading to evacuation orders by 6:30 p.m. for over 2,000 residents due to concerns about hazardous materials, including the release of toxic hydrogen fluoride. The facility, owned by Vistra Energy, is known as the world’s largest of its kind, with a capacity of 750 megawatts and 3,000 megawatt-hours.
While Monterey County officials work with Vistra and other agencies to monitor air quality, they report no civilian, plant personnel, or first responder injuries. Early assessments indicate the hazardous plume reached elevations unlikely to endanger nearby residents, though monitoring continues.
Firefighting Efforts
Fire crews allowed the blaze to burn out to prevent further chemical exposure. Drone footage revealed that flames consumed roughly 40% of the building housing lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, essential for renewable energy storage, pose unique risks due to volatile electrolytes that can release flammable gases when exposed to high temperatures or damage.
Emergency services, including sheriff’s deputies and medical teams, were fully deployed. The North County Fire Protection District and other agencies are assisting with containment and investigation efforts.
Evacuation and Community Impact
The Castroville Rec Center has been designated as a temporary evacuation site. North Monterey County Unified School District schools and offices, serving over 4,500 students, are closed Friday due to the fire.
Santa Cruz County Public Health officials stated that air quality monitoring suggests no imminent threat, allowing residents to resume normal activities. However, Monterey County has declared a local emergency to support evacuees and first responders until the situation stabilizes.
Environmental Concerns
The Moss Landing area, near the Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve and Wildlife Area, is an ecologically significant region. Satellite imagery from the National Weather Service Bay Area captured visible heat signatures from the blaze, highlighting the fire's intensity.
Previous Incidents and Safety Measures
This is the second major fire at the facility in three years. In 2021, a malfunction in the heat suppression system damaged a portion of the batteries but caused no injuries. Following a 2023 fire at a different battery plant, California implemented stricter safety protocols for battery storage facilities.
Vistra Energy stated that the cause of Thursday’s fire remains under investigation. The company assured that safety remains a top priority and emphasized its commitment to addressing the incident comprehensively.
This latest fire underscores the challenges of managing large-scale battery facilities, even as they play an essential role in stabilizing California’s energy grid and supporting renewable energy initiatives.
