Massive Fire at California's Moss Landing Lithium Battery Plant Forces 1,500 to Evacuate and Closes Highway 1

Jan 17, 2025, 09:17 AM

A major fire erupted on Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, prompting evacuation orders and road closures. The blaze broke out at a battery storage facility owned by Vistra Energy, one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery storage plants housing tens of thousands of lithium batteries. Authorities ordered approximately 1,500 residents to evacuate nearby areas, including Zones MRY-B047 and MRY-B053, due to concerns over toxic smoke from the burning batteries. The Castroville Recreation Center at 11261 Crane St. is serving as a temporary evacuation point. Highway 1 was closed in both directions near the site, specifically at Salinas Road and Merritt Street, and residents were advised to close windows and doors and shut off air systems. Emergency crews reported that about 40% of the building has burned, and they are working to contain the fire. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.