- greensea
- 17 Jan 2025 06:08 AM
- General
A fire erupted at the Moss Landing Power Plant, a major battery storage facility, around 3 p.m. Thursday, leading to evacuation orders for approximately 1,500 residents by 6:30 p.m. The decision was made due to concerns over hazardous materials and potential chemical releases, although specifics about the substances involved were not disclosed.
Emergency Response
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that fire crews are actively battling the blaze, with drones being used to assess the situation and monitor air quality. Emergency services, including sheriff’s deputies and medical teams, have been fully mobilized.
Santa Cruz County Public Health officials issued safety advisories to nearby residents, urging them to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems to minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Evacuation Measures
Evacuees were directed to the Castroville Recreation Center, which has been designated as a temporary shelter. Officials have not provided a timeline for lifting the evacuation orders.
Environmental Concerns
The Moss Landing Power Plant is located near several ecologically significant areas, including:
Moss Landing Wildlife Area
Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Authorities are monitoring the potential impact of the fire and related chemical releases on these sensitive ecosystems.
Unrelated to Other Fires
Officials clarified that this incident is not connected to the wildfires currently affecting the Los Angeles area.
Community Impact
Monterey County Spokesperson Nicholas Pasculli emphasized the priority of ensuring public safety and air quality. The fire has disrupted daily life for residents, with some expressing concerns about the long-term environmental and health impacts.
Updates on the fire, containment progress, and evacuation orders will be provided as the situation develops. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news outlets and emergency notifications for further instructions.
