Fire at Moss Landing Power Plant Forces Evacuations Amid Hazard Concerns

A fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, has forced over 2,000 residents to evacuate due to concerns about hazardous materials. The blaze, which broke out Thursday afternoon, originated in one of the facility’s lithium-ion battery units, officials confirmed.

The plant, a natural gas-fueled site owned by Vistra Energy, also serves as a critical energy storage facility with a capacity to store 750 megawatts—enough to power approximately 562,000 homes for up to four hours. The project is part of California’s broader initiative to bolster its power grid with clean energy solutions.

Authorities ordered evacuations as a precautionary measure while crews worked to contain the fire. On-site personnel were immediately evacuated, and officials are investigating the cause of the blaze.

The incident highlights the growing need for robust safety measures in large-scale battery storage projects, especially as California aims to increase its energy storage capacity to 52,000 megawatts by 2045 to meet its clean energy goals.

Residents are advised to stay informed about evacuation updates and safety recommendations as the situation develops.