Monday, 17 March 2025

Massive Fire At Battery Storage Facility Prompts Evacuations, Toxic Smoke Fills Air

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Residents evacuated after a dangerous fire started at one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities in California, which released hazardous toxins into the air.

“Numerous emergency crews are on the scene of a massive fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant’s lithium battery storage facility in California. Evacuation orders have been issued, and residents in the vicinity are advised to shelter in place immediately due to hazardous toxins being released into the air,” Rawsalerts wrote.

WATCH:

Per ABC7 San Francisco:

The facility is filled with lithium-ion batteries, which are hard to put out when they catch fire.

That’s why officials decided to let the fire burn. No injuries have been reported, a Monterey County sheriff’s official said.

Evacuations have been ordered for areas near the Moss Landing Power Plant, located on the highway near Elkhorn Slough, county officials said. The Castroville Recreation Center is being opened as a temporary evacuation point, at 11261 Crane St. in Castroville.

Even Santa Cruz County Public Health officials are advising residents to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.

“Yes there are toxins that make it different than your average fire it also can be difficult to put these fires out. And the recommended style right now is to let these batteries burn,” Assemblymember Dawn Addis said.

There are two lithium-ion battery energy storage facilities in Moss Landing, Vistra and PG&E. Addis said Vistra is the one on fire.

“There is an ongoing fire at our Moss Landing Power Plant site. Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders,” Vistra said in a statement to KSBW 8.

“Earlier this afternoon, Vistra personnel called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site. All site personnel were safely evacuated. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished,” the statement added.

WATCH:

KSBW 8 reports:

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Vistra personnel called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site. All site personnel were safely evacuated.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished.

The county of Monterey sent the following message to residents in the area:

“North County Fire Department is currently responding to a fire at Moss Landing Power Plant. Out of an abundance of caution, the fire department urges residents in Zones MRY-B047 and MRY-B053 to close windows and doors and shut off air systems until further notice. Residents are also requested to stay out of the area to allow for access of emergency vehicles.”

“Santa Cruz County Public Health officials advise residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems. Monitor local news and social media for additional updates. Further information will be provided as the situation changes,” according to a CruzAware message sent out to Santa Cruz County residents.

Monterey County health officials have also advised residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems.


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