A fire at the Vistra Power Plant in Moss Landing, California, has prompted widespread evacuations and road closures as emergency responders work to manage the situation. The fire, which broke out Thursday afternoon in the plant's 300-megawatt Phase I energy storage facility, has consumed approximately 40% of the building housing tens of thousands of lithium-ion batteries. Authorities are allowing the blaze to burn out on its own due to concerns over hazardous materials.
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed that over 1,200 residents in the affected zones have been evacuated, covering more than 7,600 acres. Evacuation orders remain in effect for areas south of Elkhorn Slough and west of Castroville Boulevard. The sheriff's office completed evacuations Thursday evening and has deployed drones to monitor air quality and assess the fire's progression.
The fire, which began around 3 p.m., led to swift action by emergency services. Vistra, the plant's owner, confirmed that all employees were safely evacuated and thanked local responders for their assistance. In a statement, the company said, "The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished."
Firefighters have decided not to actively suppress the fire, citing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, such batteries contain volatile electrolytes that can release flammable gases under high temperatures or physical damage, posing significant dangers during firefighting operations.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, close windows, and shut off ventilation systems to minimize exposure to potential toxins. Santa Cruz County officials issued similar warnings, advising residents to monitor local news for updates. Monterey County health officials emphasized the importance of limiting outdoor activities until the situation stabilizes.
The fire is the latest in a series of incidents at the Moss Landing facility. A 2021 malfunction caused damage to 7% of the plant's batteries when a heat suppression system was accidentally triggered. Following that event, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation in 2023 mandating enhanced safety protocols for battery storage facilities. The Moss Landing plant, which boasts a storage capacity of 750 megawatts and plays a critical role in California's renewable energy grid, is under scrutiny for its safety practices.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis expressed deep concern about the recurring issues at the facility. "The safety and wellbeing of our communities remain my number one priority," Addis said. "I am exploring all options for preventing future battery energy storage fires from ever occurring again on the Central Coast."
The fire has disrupted daily life for thousands in the region. The North Monterey County Unified School District closed all schools and offices on Friday, while Hartnell College's Castroville Education Center also shut its doors. Caltrans reported multiple road closures, including both directions of Highway 1 at Salinas Road, forcing travelers to use alternate routes.
An emergency meeting of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Friday morning, followed by a news conference to provide updates. Meanwhile, evacuees are being assisted at the Castroville Recreation Center, which has been designated as a temporary evacuation point.
The Moss Landing area is home to critical ecosystems, including the Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve. Environmental groups are monitoring the situation closely, given the potential risks to wildlife and water quality from chemical runoff.
