Story perspectives

Battery fire triggers shelter-in-place at Moss Landing plant

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 11:53 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

North Monterey Fire Responds

North Monterey County Fire District responded to a battery fire at Moss Landing Power Plant.
The blaze was reported just after 6:15 a.m. on Sept. 18, 2026.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office ordered shelter-in-place for residents within one-third mile of 7301 Highway 1, advising windows closed and HVAC off.
California Highway Patrol closed Dolan Road and reported no injuries, expecting the fire to burn out within 24 hours.

Summary

Vistra Funds Evacuees

EPA reported no hydrogen fluoride or PM2.5 exceedances during Friday’s fire incident.
EPA activated the approved emergency response plan when the flare-up ignited.
EPA will monitor air quality continuously at the site, perimeter, and nearby community during cleanup.
Vistra temporarily shut down its on-site natural-gas power plant as a safety precaution.
Vistra created a $450,000 assistance fund and $750 gift cards for fire-evacuees.

Summary

Vistra Faces Scrutiny

Vistra's 2026 blaze originated at a battery energy storage system, unlike the 2025 large fire.
The 2025 fire forced temporary evacuation of over 1,000 Moss Landing residents.
The 2026 blaze triggered shelter-in-place orders.
Both incidents occurred at Vistra-owned Moss Landing, underscoring repeated safety challenges at the facility.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Cal Fire responded to each fire, among other agencies.

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North Monterey Fire Responds

North Monterey County Fire District responded to a battery fire at Moss Landing Power Plant.
The blaze was reported just after 6:15 a.m. on Sept. 18, 2026.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office ordered shelter-in-place for residents within one-third mile of 7301 Highway 1, advising windows closed and HVAC off.
California Highway Patrol closed Dolan Road and reported no injuries, expecting the fire to burn out within 24 hours.

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