moss-landing-power-plant-fire-prompts-evacuations-in-monterey-county

**Moss Landing Power Plant Fire Sparks Evacuations in Monterey County**

A fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County on Friday afternoon, leading to mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the vicinity. The North County Fire Protection District swiftly responded to the blaze, as confirmed by an alert issued by Monterey County.

**Evacuation Orders and Precautionary Measures**

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office wasted no time in issuing evacuation orders around 6:30 p.m. for areas south of the Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and Elkhorn Road extending to the ocean. Prior to the evacuation orders, Monterey County officials had cautioned residents residing near the power plant to shut their windows and doors and refrain from using air conditioning units.

**Plant Details and Previous Incidents**

Situated near Moss Landing Harbor in an unincorporated area of Monterey County, the Moss Landing Power Plant is a natural-gas-powered electricity generation facility. Additionally, the plant houses storage sites for lithium-ion batteries, which pose a risk of releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere if ignited. Notably, in September 2022, a Tesla Megapack battery caught fire in an energy storage facility at the power plant. The cause of the current fire incident remains unknown.

**Road Closures and Evacuation Site**

Several road closures are currently in place at key junctions, including Dolan Road and Castroville Boulevard, Highway 1 at Salinas Road, and Highway 1 at Merritt Street. To ensure the safety and well-being of evacuated residents, the North County Recreation Center, located at 11261 Crane St. in Castroville, has been designated as an evacuation site.

**Personal Connection:**

As a coastal resident myself, the news of a fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant struck a chord with me. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards lurking in our communities and the importance of preparedness in such emergencies. The swift response of the authorities and the establishment of evacuation measures underscore the critical need for vigilance and readiness in the face of unforeseen disasters. Let’s take this opportunity to review our own emergency plans and ensure we are equipped to handle any crisis that may arise. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay prepared.