Fire at Vistra Energy's Moss Landing Power Plant Triggers Evacuations and Highway 1 Closure

Jan 17, 2025, 03:16 AM

A fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents. The fire, reported at the Vistra Energy side of the plant, which is known for its significant battery storage capacity of 3GWh, led to the issuance of evacuation orders by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office for areas south of the Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and Elkhorn Road to the ocean. Residents in zones MRY-B037, MRY-B047, MRY-B050, MRY-B051, MRY-B053, MRY-B058, and MRY-B060 were affected. The Castroville Recreation Center was opened as a temporary evacuation point. Authorities advised residents in zones MRY-B047 and MRY-B053 to close windows and doors and shut off air systems due to smoke. The fire led to road closures, including Highway 1 at Salinas Road and Merritt Street. The plant is a natural gas-powered electricity generation facility.