Fire Prompts Evacuations at Moss Landing Power Plant

A significant fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County, California, prompting evacuation orders for over 1,000 residents in surrounding areas. The blaze, which began around 3 p.m. local time, has led to toxic black smoke billowing from the site, causing officials to advise nearby residents to close windows, turn off air systems, and stay indoors. The North County Fire Department is currently managing the situation, but firefighters are not using water to extinguish the flames due to the nature of the battery storage involved; instead, they are allowing the batteries to burn out. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with investigations expected to begin once the fire is contained. This incident marks another fire at the facility, which previously experienced similar events in 2021 and 2022. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community safety during this ongoing situation.