A fire erupted at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County on Thursday afternoon, prompting evacuation orders and the closure of State Route 1.
The incident began around 3 p.m. at a battery storage facility operated by Vistra Energy, according to CBS News.
In response, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for areas south of Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and Elkhorn Road to the ocean.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has issued Evacuation Orders for areas of Moss Landing South of the Elkhorn Slough, North of Molera Rd and Monterey Dunes Way, and West of Castroville Blvd and ElkHorn Rd. to the ocean for the following zones: MRY-B037, MRY-B047, MRY-B050,… pic.twitter.com/rJlivDENYC
— Monterey Co Sheriff (@MCoSheriff) January 17, 2025
Authorities also advised nearby residents to close windows and doors, shut off air systems, and stay indoors to minimize exposure to potential hazardous materials.
The California Highway Patrol closed State Route 1 at Salinas Road, with no estimated time for reopening.
Fire crews, EMS, and HAZMAT responded, seemingly letting the fire burn itself out due to its contained nature and the lack of nearby flammable structures.
The primary concern is now air quality due to the chemical composition of the smoke.
Vistra Energy reported that all site personnel were safely evacuated and that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
In a statement to KRON4, Vistra Energy releases the following:
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.
Earlier this afternoon, Vistra 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.
WATCH:
