Santa Cruz County Public Health officials have advised residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor exposure due to hazardous smoke from the fire.

Satellite imagery from the National Weather Service has shown heat signatures from the fire, indicating its severity.

A significant fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County on January 17, 2025, leading to evacuation orders for nearby residents.

The Moss Landing facility has a history of fire incidents, including previous fires in 2021 and 2022 caused by malfunctioning fire sprinkler systems.

Lithium-ion battery fires, like the one at the facility, are particularly challenging to extinguish due to the extreme heat and toxic gases they produce.

Market reactions indicate concerns over potential disruptions and costs related to the incident, although Vistra has yet to comment on the fire's financial implications.

Highway 1 has been partially closed as a precautionary measure, with traffic being redirected at various points to ensure safety.

A temporary evacuation center has been established at the Castroville Recreation Center for those displaced by the fire.

Evacuation orders were issued due to concerns over hazardous materials and potential chemical releases from the facility, which began around 3 p.m. and escalated by 6:30 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation will commence once the blaze is extinguished, as Vistra confirmed that all personnel were safely evacuated.

Monterey County Supervisor Glen Church described the situation as a disaster, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.

The Moss Landing Power Plant is owned by Vistra and is recognized as the largest battery power plant in the world, achieving its full capacity in 2023.