Dramatic flames and smoke from the Moss Landing battery storage plant fire.
A significant fire erupted at the Moss Landing battery storage plant, prompting evacuation orders for nearly 1,500 residents. The blaze, visible from afar, has raised concerns about health risks and safety measures. Local schools have closed while emergency services manage the situation and a temporary shelter has been set up for those displaced. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as officials monitor the situation closely.
A large fire broke out at the Moss Landing battery storage plant on Thursday afternoon, causing significant concern and disruption for local residents. This facility, known to be one of the world’s largest batteries, is owned by the Texas-based Vistra Energy and plays a crucial role in storing electricity from renewable energy sources. The blaze erupted around 3 p.m. and, by nightfall, had already consumed a substantial portion of the building.
In response to the fire, evacuation orders were issued for residents of Moss Landing and the nearby Elkhorn Slough area. Nearly 1,500 locals were affected, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office had to issue the evacuation order at approximately 7 p.m. local time. As the fire raged on, officials took no chances, alerting nearby residents to close their windows and shut off their air systems to minimize potential health risks from smoke inhalation.
The blaze, characterized by towering flames and dense black smoke, was visible even from as far away as Pacific Grove. Roads leading to the area, particularly part of Highway 1 at Salinas Road and Merrit Street, were closed to ensure safety and allow emergency services to respond effectively.
The Moss Landing facility, covering around 50,000 square feet, is integral to California’s renewable energy landscape, housing tens of thousands of lithium batteries. However, history has seen its share of trouble, as previous incidents occurred in 2021 and 2022, attributed to a fire sprinkler malfunction which caused overheating.
As emergency services, including sheriffs and medical teams, mobilized to contain the situation, authorities deployed drones to monitor the fire and observe air quality. Due to the potential health hazards, officials from Santa Cruz County recommended that residents limit outdoor activities and stay indoors until the fire was under control.
The North Monterey County Unified School District decided to close all schools and offices on Friday as a precaution. Residents were encouraged to avoid the area, as ongoing operations to manage the fire were underway. A temporary evacuation point was established at the Castroville Recreation Center for those displaced by the fire, providing a safe shelter for residents during this challenging time.
By the evening of the incident, authorities estimated that about 40% of the building had already burned down, raising the urgency of the situation. While the cause of this fire is still unknown, an investigation is slated to begin once the flames have been extinguished. Residents and local officials alike are hoping for a swift resolution and an overall assessment of the facility’s safety procedures in light of the latest incident.
As the night progressed, the fire remained active, demanding close attention from emergency responders. The local community is closely monitoring the situation as it develops, hoping for a safe resolution and a return to normalcy soon.
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