Fire at Moss Landing Power Plant Triggers Evacuations in Monterey County
A significant fire erupted Thursday evening at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, prompting evacuation orders for parts of northern Monterey County. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued the orders due to the ongoing emergency and deteriorating air quality.
As of Friday morning, the North Monterey County Unified School District closed schools and offices in response to the fire. The evacuation areas include Moss Landing south of Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road, and portions west of Castroville Boulevard to the ocean. Residents are advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and limit outdoor activities.
The fire is centered around a battery storage facility operated by Texas-based Vistra Energy, which has a history of previous incidents at the site, including fires in 2021 and 2022 attributed to equipment malfunctions. Road closures announced by local authorities include Dolan Road and Castroville Boulevard and sections of Highway 1.
Residents seeking assistance can go to the Castroville Recreation Center, designated as a temporary evacuation point. Local officials are urging everyone to stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.
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