The rise of clean energy has increased reliance on lithium-ion batteries, which now power everything from consumer electronics to massive energy storage facilities like the Vistra Energy Storage Facility in Moss Landing, California. While these batteries offer efficiency and scalability, they also carry serious risks that can lead to uncontrollable fires. The recent incidents in Moss Landing have highlighted these dangers, prompting evacuations and leaving residents concerned about their health, safety, and property.
Danko Meredith Injury Lawyers and Fiore Achermann are committed to supporting residents of Moss Landing and the greater Monterey County area who have been impacted or are at risk from these fires. Below, Danko Meredith’s California environmental attorneys explain the causes of lithium battery fires and how you can protect your rights if these fires have impacted you.
Causes of Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, compact, and efficient. Unfortunately, these same properties can make them prone to a type of failure known as thermal runaway. This process can result in the battery cell venting flammable gases, igniting, and potentially causing a cascading failure in adjacent cells, leading to a significant fire or an explosion. Several factors can trigger thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries:
- Manufacturing defects: Imperfections during the manufacturing process, such as internal shorts, contamination, or poorly constructed components, can create weak points within the battery cell. These defects can lead to localized heating and eventually trigger thermal runaway.
- Physical damage: External impacts, punctures, crushing, or significant vibrations can physically damage a battery cell’s internal components, causing short circuits or other internal faults that initiate thermal runaway.
- Overcharging: Charging a lithium-ion battery beyond its voltage limit can cause lithium plating on the anode, leading to internal short circuits and heat generation. Similarly, using an incompatible or faulty charger can also lead to overcharging.
- Over-discharging: Draining a lithium-ion battery below its safe voltage level can cause irreversible chemical changes within the cell, making it more susceptible to short circuits and thermal runaway upon subsequent charging.
- External short circuits: If a conductive material accidentally connects the battery’s positive and negative terminals, it creates a low-resistance path for a large current to flow. This rapid discharge generates significant heat, which can trigger thermal runaway.
- Extreme temperatures: Operating or storing lithium-ion batteries outside their recommended temperature range can significantly increase the risk of thermal runaway. High temperatures can accelerate internal chemical reactions, leading to increased heat generation, while extremely low temperatures can cause mechanical stress and increase internal resistance.
- Internal shorts: These can develop over time due to the growth of dendrites within the battery cell, degradation of the separator, or the migration of conductive particles. Once an internal short occurs, it can lead to rapid heating and thermal runaway.
These risks are magnified in large-scale storage facilities. Systems that house thousands of lithium-ion cells, like the Vistra Energy Storage Facility in Moss Landing, must have advanced controls and safety systems. When those systems fail or are inadequate, the results can be disastrous.
The Moss Landing Power Plant Fires: What We Know So Far
On January 16, 2025, a fire broke out at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility, releasing thick plumes of potentially toxic smoke into the surrounding area. Fire suppression systems were unable to contain the blaze. As a precaution, authorities ordered approximately 1,200 residents from Moss Landing and neighboring communities to evacuate.
Roughly a month later, on February 18, 2025, the fire re-ignited on a smaller scale. Though less intense, this incident intensified community fears over the facility’s reliability and safety.
History of Safety Incidents at Moss Landing Power Plant
This is not the first time the facility has encountered safety issues. In 2021 and 2022, two high-temperature incidents were reported at the Vistra facility. Neither led to a fire, but they were red flags.
On September 20, 2022, a fire occurred at the nearby Elkhorn Battery Facility, triggered by a Tesla Megapack. First responders quickly contained it, but not before reinforcing concerns over battery safety and whether local and state agencies are doing enough to prevent further hazards.
Symptoms of Lithium-Ion Battery Fume Inhalation
When lithium-ion batteries catch fire, they release toxic gases and particulates, including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Common symptoms of fume inhalation include:
- Respiratory irritation: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a burning sensation in the throat and lungs are common.
- Eye and skin irritation: Redness, watering, itching, and a burning sensation in the eyes can occur, as can skin irritation or rashes.
- Nausea and vomiting: Inhalation of toxic fumes can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
- Headache and dizziness: Systemic effects of exposure to certain gases, like carbon monoxide, can cause headaches and dizziness.
- Sore throat: Irritation of the upper respiratory tract can result in a sore throat.
These symptoms may appear within minutes or hours of exposure, depending on the level of inhalation and individual health conditions.
Long-Term Health Effects of Lithium-Ion Battery Fumes
Exposure to the byproducts of lithium battery fires can have severe long-term health consequences, especially for vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions. Potential long-term effects include:
- Chronic respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or bronchitis
- Neurological effects, due to heavy metal exposure
- Cardiovascular strain, particularly from repeated inhalation of particulate matter
- Increased cancer risk, especially related to exposure to cobalt and nickel compounds
- Skin or eye disorders, including rashes or corneal injuries from chemical exposure
The lingering concern is whether Moss Landing residents were exposed to these toxins during evacuation and whether harmful particles have settled in homes, soil, and water.
What To Do If You Inhale Lithium Battery Fumes
In the event of a lithium battery fire and potential exposure to fumes, immediate action is crucial to minimize health risks. If you suspect that you or a loved one inhaled fumes from a lithium-ion battery fire, take the following steps:
- Leave the area immediately: Remove yourself from exposure to smoke or vapors.
- Ventilate your home: Open windows and use fans to clear indoor air.
- Change and wash clothing: Toxic particulates can cling to clothes and hair.
- Monitor symptoms: Keep track of any signs of illness over the following days.
- See a doctor: A medical professional should evaluate even mild symptoms.
- Document everything: Take notes on the time and duration of exposure, symptoms, and any medical treatment received.
Being prepared is critical. Should another fire occur, residents should have N95 or better emergency masks, air purifiers, and evacuation plans in place.
In Case of a Future Battery Fire at the Plant
Proactive preparedness is essential for residents living near the Moss Landing facility. In the unfortunate event of another battery fire, adhering to official guidance and having your own plan can significantly enhance your safety.
- Heed evacuation orders: Always follow the instructions and evacuation orders issued by local authorities and emergency responders. They are in the best position to assess the risks and ensure public safety.
- Stay informed: Monitor official news channels and emergency alerts for updates on the situation and safety recommendations.
- Have an emergency plan: Residents near the power plant should have a basic emergency plan, including a designated meeting place for family members and a go-bag with essential supplies.
By prioritizing official instructions and maintaining your readiness, you can best protect yourself and your loved ones should the threat of another battery fire at the Moss Landing plant arise.
When To See a Doctor About Potential Exposure to Harmful Battery Fumes
You should seek medical attention immediately if you or a family member experiences any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Burning or redness in the eyes or throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or dizziness
- A sudden worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions
Inform your physician that you may have been exposed to toxic chemical fumes from a lithium battery fire. It may be necessary to conduct blood and urine tests to assess exposure levels to heavy metals or other harmful compounds. Even if your initial symptoms seem mild, consult with your primary care physician to document your potential exposure and establish a baseline for your health.
Could the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires Affect the Value of My Home or Business?
The occurrence of significant fires at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility in Moss Landing has understandably raised concerns among property owners about the potential impact on their property values.
Several factors could contribute to a decrease in the value of homes and businesses in the surrounding areas:
- Perception of risk: The fires have created a perception of ongoing safety risks associated with living or operating near the power plant. Potential buyers or renters may hesitate to invest in an area with a history of such incidents, fearing future fires, evacuations, and possible health hazards.
- Environmental concerns: Worries about air, water, and soil contamination can make the area less desirable. Even if testing eventually shows no significant contamination, the initial fear and uncertainty can negatively impact property values.
- Insurance costs and availability: Insurance companies may reassess the risk associated with properties near the power plant, potentially leading to increased premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage. This added cost or lack of insurability can deter potential buyers.
- Lender hesitancy: Banks and mortgage lenders might become more cautious about lending in an area with environmental or safety risks, potentially making it harder for buyers to secure financing.
- Reduced quality of life: The disruption evacuations cause, the anxiety about potential health effects, and the general unease associated with living near a site of industrial accidents can diminish the overall quality of life in the area, making it less attractive to potential residents and businesses.
- Stigma: Even if the risks are mitigated over time, the Moss Landing area may develop a stigma associated with the power plant fires. This negative perception can linger and affect property values.
Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann understand these concerns and are committed to helping property owners in Moss Landing and surrounding areas assess the potential impact of these events on their property values and explore avenues for compensation for any financial losses incurred.
Are the Soil and Water Safe After the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires?
Moss Landing residents’ concerns extend beyond the immediate fire and potential air quality issues to the long-term safety of their soil and water. Lithium-ion batteries contain various materials, including metals and electrolytes that can be corrosive and potentially toxic. A significant fire involving many of these batteries raises legitimate questions about potential environmental contamination.
- Soil contamination: Combustion byproducts and unburnt battery materials could have settled on the soil in and around the power plant. These contaminants could leach into the ground over time, affecting soil quality and impacting agriculture in Monterey County, including crops and livestock that graze on contaminated land.
- Water contamination: Runoff from firefighting efforts and potential leaching from the site could contaminate surface water sources and groundwater. This could affect drinking water supplies, irrigation for agriculture, and the health of local ecosystems, including Monterey Bay’s delicate marine environment.
Thorough environmental testing is crucial to assess the extent of soil and water contamination resulting from the Moss Landing power plant fires. This testing should analyze for the presence of heavy metals, electrolytes, and other harmful substances. The results of these tests are essential in determining the need for remediation efforts to ensure the environment’s long-term safety and the community’s health.
Compensation for Those Affected by the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
The Vistra Energy Storage Facility fires have significantly impacted the residents of Moss Landing and surrounding areas, and those affected may be entitled to compensation for various losses and damages, including:
- Evacuation costs and inconvenience: Residents forced to evacuate their homes may obtain compensation for expenses such as temporary lodging, meals, other costs incurred during the evacuation period, and for the significant disruption and inconvenience the evacuation caused.
- Medical expenses: Individuals who have experienced health problems due to inhaling battery fumes or other exposure recover compensation for their medical expenses, including doctor visits, testing, medication, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: If individuals could not work due to the evacuation or health issues related to the fires, they may be eligible for compensation for their lost income.
- Property damage: If properties sustained direct damage from the fires or related incidents, owners may obtain compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Diminished property value: The presence of a facility with a history of fires and potential environmental concerns can negatively impact the value of homes and businesses in the area. Affected property owners may recover compensation for this financial loss.
- Emotional distress: The experience of a fire, evacuation, and the ongoing worry about health and safety can cause significant emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Compensation may be available for these intangible losses.
- Long-term health consequences: If residents develop chronic health conditions in the future that are linked to the battery fires and the release of toxic substances, they may recover compensation for ongoing medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- Environmental damage: Individuals may seek compensation to cover ecological remediation costs and address the impact on natural resources and agricultural productivity in the region.
Determining the full extent of damages and pursuing compensation can be complex, often involving detailed investigations, expert testimony, and negotiation with responsible parties and their insurance companies. Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann are actively investigating claims and helping families pursue legal action for negligence, nuisance, and environmental harm.
Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith Can Help Moss Landing Residents
To address the needs of Moss Landing and Monterey County residents, the law firms of Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith have joined forces. We are here to hold Vistra Corp accountable for the repercussions of the Vistra Energy Storage Facility fire at Moss Landing Power Plant.
This strategic partnership reunites attorneys Jennifer Fiore, Mike Danko, and Kristine Keala Meredith. These lawyers first worked together representing clients against PG&E in the San Bruno pipeline explosion.
The legal teams at Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith have extensive experience in holding negligent utility companies and business interests accountable.
- Danko Meredith’s track record includes prosecuting toxic torts such as the Porter Ranch gas leak. Our law firm has also secured well over $1.5 billion in settlements for utility fire victims across California, which includes the Camp Fire and the Dixie Fire.
- Fiore Achermann has found success in many high-profile cases, including the Conception Boat Fire (involving lithium-ion batteries) and the Ghost Ship warehouse fire.
Together, Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith are committed to providing unparalleled legal representation for those affected by the lithium-ion battery fires at Moss Landing Power Plant. We will ensure that Vistra Corp and any other responsible parties are held accountable and that justice is served.
Contact Our California Environmental Disaster Attorneys Today
If you are a resident of Moss Landing or the surrounding areas of Monterey County and have been affected by the power plant fires at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility, contact our environmental lawyers at Danko Meredith for a free consultation. We are here to help you seek justice, hold negligent corporations accountable, and demand the safety your community deserves.