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Major Fire Erupts at Battery Storage Plant in Northern California
A massive fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at the Moss Landing Power Plant, one of the world’s largest battery storage plants, located about 77 miles south of San Francisco. The plant, owned by Texas-based company Vistra Energy, contains tens of thousands of lithium batteries used to store electricity from renewable energy sources like solar power.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Approximately 1,500 people were ordered to evacuate the area, with some seeking shelter at a temporary evacuation center. Part of Highway 1 in Northern California was also closed due to the fire.
Fire Containment and Investigation
As of early Friday, the fire was still burning but had been partially contained within the facility. An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once it is extinguished. Vistra Energy stated that everyone at the site was safely evacuated after the fire was detected.
Previous Incidents
The Vistra plant has experienced fires in 2021 and 2022, caused by a malfunctioning fire sprinkler system that led to some units overheating.
Response and Reactions
Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church described the situation as a “disaster,” but expressed hope that the fire would not spread beyond the concrete building. The county Board of Supervisors planned an emergency meeting to receive a briefing on the fire. North Monterey County Unified School District announced that all schools and offices would be closed on Friday due to the fire.
Concerns about Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium battery fires can be extremely difficult to put out, and the incident has raised concerns about the safety of these types of batteries. Vistra Energy has stated that the safety of the community and personnel is their top priority.