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Fire at Moss Landing Power Plant Forces Evacuations and Highway Closure

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Fire at Moss Landing Power Plant Forces Evacuations and Highway Closure

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On January 16, 2025, a fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, prompting emergency evacuations and the closure of southbound Highway 1. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for areas near Elkhorn Slough, Molera Road, Monterey Dunes Way, Castroville Boulevard, and Elkhorn Road. Residents were advised to close windows, doors, and air systems to avoid smoke exposure.

The plant, operated by Vistra Energy, houses one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities. The incident follows a similar fire in September 2022 at the Tesla Power Storage facility located on-site. Emergency crews responded swiftly to the current blaze, and no injuries have been reported so far.

Authorities are investigating the fire’s cause and monitoring air quality in affected areas. Officials are urging residents to follow updates on evacuation zones and road conditions. The extent of the damage remains unclear, and cleanup efforts are underway. This event highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding large-scale energy storage systems.