MOSS LANDING, Calif. — A fire is raging at the Vistra Energy battery storage plant in Moss Landing, one of the largest such facilities in the world. The blaze, which erupted late Thursday afternoon, has sent plumes of hazardous black smoke into the air, prompting evacuations, road closures, and a significant emergency response effort.
The fire broke out around 3 p.m. at the plant located on Highway 1 in Monterey County, officials report. Flames and smoke continue to emanate from the facility, which houses thousands of lithium batteries designed to store electricity generated during the day for use at night. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Evacuation orders are in effect for areas south of Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard. Approximately 1,500 residents have been displaced. The Castroville Recreation Center at 11261 Crane Street is serving as a temporary evacuation center.
Highway 1 is closed in both directions between Highway 183 and Struve Road. Officials have not provided an estimated reopening time.
Monterey County spokesperson Nicholas Pasculli:
“It’s imperative that residents heed the evacuation order and take the direction of law enforcement and fire personnel,” Pasculli said. “This is a situation where we take the idea of protecting life and property very seriously. We implore people to heed the evacuation order and to go to a safe location.”
The plant, operated by Texas-based Vistra Energy, is a cornerstone of California’s clean energy strategy. Its massive capacity to store renewable energy is integral to the state’s transition to green power. The facility was expanded in 2023 to hold 750 megawatts of electricity, enough to power thousands of homes.
Lithium battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish due to the high temperatures and toxic gases they emit, which pose risks to respiratory health, skin, and eyes. All staff were safely evacuated, and emergency teams are working to contain the blaze within the plant’s concrete structure. Officials have stated that while the fire is extensive, it is “contained” to the building.
This is not the first fire at the Moss Landing site. Previous incidents in 2021 and 2022 were attributed to sprinkler malfunctions and system flaws, causing heightened scrutiny of battery storage safety. These incidents prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to require battery plants to develop emergency response plans with local fire departments.
As authorities investigate this latest incident, concerns are rising over the safety of such facilities and their proximity to populated areas. This is a developing story, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
H//T JWG, doonman,
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