Moss Landing BESS – Batteries Reignite Weeks After Major Incident

A fire rekindled late Tuesday night at the Moss Landing Power Plant as lithium-ion batteries, which had been smoldering, caught fire once again, officials confirmed. This latest flare-up occurred within the same structure where a significant fire broke out on January 16 at Vistra’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility.

Authorities indicated that while the new fire was less intense than the previous one, it still led to safety advisories for nearby residents. Monterey County’s Department of Emergency Management urged those in the surrounding areas to keep windows and doors shut due to potential smoke hazards.

The January incident heightened concerns over the dangers of lithium-ion battery storage. Firefighters have previously stated that these fires are challenging to suppress since traditional water-based methods are largely ineffective once flames emerge. County Supervisor Glenn Church emphasized that no proven method exists to fully extinguish large-scale battery fires when they reach a critical stage.

This latest incident unfolds as legal proceedings against Vistra continue. Earlier this month, a lawsuit was filed against the company, with environmental advocate Erin Brockovich supporting the case. The lawsuit alleges that Vistra knowingly stored hazardous lithium-ion batteries in unsafe conditions, prioritizing financial interests over community safety.

As one of the world’s largest battery storage sites, Moss Landing remains under scrutiny. Recurring fire incidents have amplified concerns about the facility’s long-term safety and its potential environmental consequences.

Photo credit: LG Energy Solution. All rights reserved.