A major fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, around 3:00 p.m.
The blaze sent towering flames and toxic black smoke into the air, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people and the closure of part of Highway 1.
The Moss Landing Power Plant, located about 77 miles south of San Francisco, is owned by Texas-based company Vistra Energy and contains tens of thousands of lithium batteries.
These batteries are crucial for storing electricity from renewable energy sources like solar energy. When they catch fire, the blazes can be extremely difficult to extinguish.
Santa Cruz County Public Health officials advised residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems.
KEY DETAILS:
- The fire was still burning on Friday morning, but containment efforts were underway.
- The blaze was not expected to spread beyond the facility.
- The county Board of Supervisors scheduled an emergency meeting to receive a briefing on the fire.
- The North Monterey County Unified School District announced the closure of all schools and offices on Friday due to the fire.
- Previous fires occurred at the Vistra plant in 2021 and 2022 due to a malfunctioning fire sprinkler system.
- The cause of the latest fire is currently unknown and under investigation.
- Vistra Energy emphasized the safety of the community and personnel as their top priority.
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LITHIUM BATTERY SMOKE:
Inhaling lithium battery smoke can be hazardous to your health. When lithium batteries burn, they release toxic fumes that contain various chemicals, including:
- Particulate matter: Tiny particles that can irritate the lungs, throat, and eyes.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and dizziness.
- Heavy metals: Such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium, which can be toxic if inhaled.
- Fluoride compounds: Yes, lithium battery smoke may contain fluoride compounds, which can be hazardous to human health. Exposure to high levels of fluoride can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Prolonged exposure to lithium battery smoke can lead to:
- Respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Irritation to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes
- Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
- Potential long-term health effects, such as lung damage or cancer
If you’re exposed to lithium battery smoke:
- Leave the area immediately: Get away from the source of the smoke.
- Seek fresh air: Find a well-ventilated area.
- Wash your skin and clothes: Remove any contaminated clothing and wash your skin with soap and water.
- Seek medical attention: If you experience any symptoms or have concerns about your health.
REMEMBER, IT’S ALWAYS BETTER TO ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION WHEN DEALING WITH LITHIUM BATTERY FIRES OR SMOKE.
EVACUATION ORDERS
As a result of the fire, evacuation orders were issued for several zones, including MRY-B050, MRY-B056, MRY-B060, MRY-B047, MRY-B053, MRY-B037, MRY-B051, MRY-B058.
A Temporary Evacuation Point was set up at the Castroville Rec Center, 11261 Crane St, Castroville, CA 95012.
Road closures were also reported at:
Road closures were also reported at:
- Dolan Rd. and Castroville Blvd.
- Highway 1 at Salinas Road
- Highway 1 at Merritt St.