Fire at Vistra's Moss Landing Lithium Battery Plant Forces 1,500 to Evacuate in Monterey County

Jan 17, 2025, 01:00 PM

A fire erupted around 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Moss Landing Power Plant in California, prompting evacuation orders from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office for residents near Elkhorn Slough. The blaze originated at the lithium battery storage facility owned by Vistra Energy, one of the largest battery storage systems in the world. Due to toxic heavy metal smoke and hazardous toxins released into the air, authorities are advising residents to close windows and doors and turn off air systems. Highway 1 has been closed in both directions near the area. Fire crews are on the scene but have no timeline for extinguishing the fire and are allowing it to burn itself out due to the dangers associated with lithium battery fires. Approximately 1,500 people have been ordered to evacuate. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.