A major fire at Vistra Energy's Moss Landing Power Plant has prompted Monterey County officials to declare a state of emergency on California's Central Coast. The blaze, which consumed a 300-megawatt lithium storage facility, led to the evacuation of approximately 1,200 residents before being extinguished on Tuesday.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors ratified the emergency declaration during a special session, opening pathways for state and federal assistance. The fire destroyed most of the building and its contents at the natural gas-powered electricity plant operated by the Texas-based company.
While evacuation orders have been lifted, community members remain deeply concerned about potential health and environmental impacts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted air monitoring for hydrogen fluoride - a highly toxic gas produced by lithium-ion battery fires - and particulate matter, concluding there was "no risk to public health throughout the incident."
However, residents near the fire zone reported health symptoms including respiratory issues and a metallic taste. At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, community members demanded thorough cleanup procedures and assurances that hazardous chemicals would not contaminate the surrounding environment.
Ed Mitchell, speaking for the newly formed Moss Landing Fire Community Recovery Group, described lithium batteries as a "thrilling" new technology that becomes "terrifying" when things go wrong. Supervisor Glenn Church expressed concerns about regulatory oversight, noting that "this technology is ahead of the government's ability to regulate it."
The facility will remain closed pending an independent investigation into the cause of the fire. Local officials continue to monitor the site using drones to detect any remaining heat pockets, while some road closures remain in effect.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the safety protocols and oversight of large-scale battery storage facilities, particularly as communities increasingly transition to renewable energy solutions.