Monterey County: Evacuations were lifted Friday night after a massive fire erupted at the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant, one of the world’s largest lithium battery storage facilities, in Monterey County, California, according to media reports. The fire, which began Thursday afternoon, continued to burn as authorities allow the lithium-ion batteries to extinguish naturally, CBS News reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced the lifting of evacuation orders for about 1,500 residents at 6 p.m. local time (0200GMT). However, health officials urged nearby residents to keep windows and doors shut, limit outdoor activities, and monitor air quality updates.
The fire reignited Friday afternoon, producing more flames and thick black smoke before subsiding by the evening. Highway 1, which runs near the facility, remained closed due to the ongoing incident, with traffic redirected to alternate routes. “This is really a wake-up call for the industry,” the media outlet quoted Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church said during a news conference. Church called the fire a “worst-case scenario,” emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety measures as the energy sector moves toward sustainable solutions.
Firefighters and hazardous materials teams are using a cautious approach, allowing the batteries to burn out naturally, as water is ineffective on such fires. Officials estimated that about 40% of the battery storage building had burned by late Thursday night. Chief Joel Mendoza of the North County Fire Protection District said the fire had slowed significantly by Friday morning, burning at just 1% to 5% of the intensity seen the night before, CBS News reported.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has joined local authorities to monitor air quality, deploying specialists and equipment to assess potential risks to public health. The Moss Landing facility, which underwent a major expansion in 2023, is located near the environmentally sensitive Elkhorn Slough wetland. Concerns have been raised over the possible release of toxic chemicals into the area. Assembly member Dawn Addis stressed the importance of public safety, stating: “It’s time to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” according to the outlet.
The fire has disrupted the local area, prompting school closures at Hartnell College Castroville Education Center and North Monterey County Unified School District schools on Friday. Public health officials in neighboring Santa Cruz County advised residents downwind of the fire to remain indoors and turn off ventilation systems to minimize exposure. Despite these challenges, weather conditions have aided emergency responders. Clear and calm conditions allowed smoke to rise and disperse away from populated areas, reducing the immediate impact of toxic emissions.
While the fire continues to burn, officials have not provided an estimated timeline for full containment. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and Vistra Energy, which operates the facility, has pledged transparency and a commitment to ensuring community safety throughout the response.