The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders after a fire erupted at the Moss Landing Power Plant Thursday evening.
The battery storage plant, owned by Vistra Energy, houses thousands of lithium batteries that store electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
“There is an ongoing fire at our Moss Landing Power Plant site. Our top priority is the safety of the community and our personnel, and Vistra deeply appreciates the continued assistance of our local emergency responders,” Vistra told KSBW 8. The company said personnel “called for assistance from the North Monterey County Fire District after a fire was detected in the 300-MW Phase I energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site. All site personnel were safely evacuated.”
“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished.”
As of Friday morning, health guidance advising residents to remain indoors was lifted.
“At this time, no imminent significant threat exists, and people may resume normal activities. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory difficulties, should continue monitoring local air conditions. While home, we recommend keeping doors and windows closed until further notice, especially for residents closest to the fire,” said Santa Cruz County health officials.
According to the California Energy Commission, the Moss Landing Power Plant Project is a “1,060 megawatt natural gas-fired, combined cycle facility located near the Moss Landing Harbor, Monterey County.” The project was certified in 2000 and began commercial operation in 2002. It was originally built and owned by Pacific Gas & Electric and operated in 1950.
