Lithium-ion batteries are the new standard for everything from wireless devices to electric cars. However, these easy-to-charge batteries do not come without risks. Understanding how to prevent a lithium battery fire can help you stay safe and avoid thermal runaway fires like the one that happened in Moss Landing, CA, where residents were evacuated due to the toxic chemical fumes.
If you were affected by a lithium battery fire, the California environmental attorneys at Danko Meredith Injury Lawyers and Fiore Achermann are here to support you. We will help you protect your legal rights to compensation and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
What Causes Lithium Battery Fires?
A convenient way to store power, lithium batteries work by shuttling lithium ions between a negative electrode and a positive electrode within an electrolyte. This energy storage method carries an intrinsic hazard called thermal runaway. This occurs when a battery overheats, for a variety of reasons, leading to the release of highly flammable gases, ignition of flames, and, crucially, the start of a domino effect in any adjacent cells. When thermal runaway occurs, a severe lithium-ion battery fire or explosion is possible.
Common Factors that Contribute to Thermal Runaway in Lithium Batteries
Lithium battery fires are caused by several factors that cause the unit to overheat, triggering thermal runaway. This could be a defect from the manufacturer during initial production, such as an internal short or contamination introduced prior to the consumer receiving the product. However, more likely are factors that may be prevented with safe handling, such as:
- Damage: Physical harm due to impacts, punctures, or cracks can damage internal parts and cause the battery to short-circuit.
- Overcharging or Improper Charging: Distressing the battery due to using the wrong charger, overcharging, or running the battery too low can lead to internal shorts and the buildup of heat.
- External Shorts: Connecting terminals incorrectly can cause a sudden surge of current, in turn generating excessive heat.
- High Temperatures: Exposing batteries to temperatures beyond their recommended limits speeds up damaging internal reactions and elevates heat levels.
- Internal Shorts Due to Overuse: Over time, internal shorts may develop due to breakdown of components or formations on internal structures, resulting in rapid heating.
Tips for Preventing Lithium Battery Fires
As a consumer, purchasing reputable brands of lithium-ion batteries and using their recommended charger is the first step to preventing fires. Additional tips you can follow to prevent lithium battery fires in your home include:
- Remove batteries from chargers immediately after they complete a full charge cycle to avoid overcharging.
- Inspect your devices for any external damage on a regular basis.
- Store batteries at their recommended temperature range, away from sunlight or heat sources.
- Only use power chargers that are approved for use with your specific type of lithium batteries to avoid shorts and overcharging.
- Protect your devices in drop-proof cases to reduce the risk of damage from external sources.
- Isolate your devices when charging in an area away from flammable items.
- Consider putting your devices in a fireproof container when charging.
If a lithium battery ignites near you, evacuate the area immediately. Avoid using water to put out the fire, as it can intensify the flames due to it being an electrical fire. Use a fire extinguisher rated for Class C or electrical fires if you attempt to extinguish it.
What We Know About the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
On January 16, 2025, a catastrophic blaze broke out at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility in Moss Landing, CA, the world’s largest battery storage site. The fire, triggered by thermal runaway in their lithium batteries, rapidly escalated due to improper storage procedures and a fire suppression system ill-equipped for lithium fires. The incident resulted in the destruction of 300 megawatts of power, representing 2% of California’s energy capacity.
A member of Monterey County’s board of supervisors referred to the event as the battery industry’s “Three Mile Island,” referring to the 1979 catastrophic nuclear power plant incident.
The Moss Landing power plant fire released substantial smoke clouds into the adjacent Monterey County communities. The potential danger of the smoke was initially unclear, but authorities mandated the evacuation of approximately 1,200 residents nearby. The following day, with the fire contained, residents were permitted to return home but advised to remain indoors, with external ventilation systems off and windows shut.
Roughly a month later, on February 18, 2025, a smaller event occurred, further damaging the community’s opinion of the Vistra facility and its safety measures. In September 2022, the nearby Elkhorn Battery Facility also experienced a large fire, involving a Tesla Megapack battery. While that blaze was contained promptly due to the quick work of emergency responders, residents naturally are concerned about the ongoing risks of living in Monterey County, surrounded by the battery storage industry.
Symptoms of Lithium-Ion Battery Fume Inhalation
Lithium battery fires unleash a dangerous blend of toxic gases and tiny particles into the air. This toxic cloud can contain substances like hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Breathing in these fumes can trigger various health issues, including:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing
- Burning sensation in the throat or chest
- Eye irritation
- Skin rashes or irritation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches and dizziness
The time it takes for these symptoms to appear can vary from a few minutes to several hours after exposure, depending on how concentrated the fumes were and your general health. If you have experienced any of these symptoms following a lithium fire, seek medical attention promptly. Afterward, our personal injury legal team is here to help you pursue justice against any companies whose negligence may have contributed to the incident.
Lasting Health Complications Linked to Lithium-Ion Battery Fumes
Potential long-term health issues can be caused by lithium-ion battery fires, particularly with groups that are already sensitive to respiratory issues, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions. Residents of Moss Landing, CA, and the surrounding communities returned home with concerns about dangerous toxic exposure prior to evacuation, but also if particles have contaminated soil and water sources.
Potential long-term consequences of exposure include developing or exacerbating chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis. Neurological problems may be experienced due to heavy metal accumulation in the body. The cardiovascular system may be strained with repeated inhalation of particulate matter. Worse yet, lithium battery fumes may contribute to an increased risk of cancer.
What Should I Do If I Inhale Lithium-Ion Battery Fumes?
If you have inhaled fumes from a lithium battery fire, such as the one from the Moss Landing Power Plant, remove yourself from the area and seek medical attention immediately. Evacuate the area and immediately shower to remove any residual toxic chemicals from the skin. If you live in an area that may be prone to lithium fires, such as in Monterey County, keep N95 or higher grade face masks on hand to reduce exposure.
Once the air has been cleared and is safe to return home, air out your house and clean all flat surfaces to get rid of any residual particulate matter. Air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters may help clean the air as well.
When Should I See a Doctor About Potential Exposure to Lithium Battery Fume Health Problems?
Should you experience any symptoms of lithium battery fume inhalation, seek medical attention promptly, taking detailed notes regarding your exposure and symptoms. No matter how mild your symptoms are, be sure to talk to a doctor, as they can get worse over time. These symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness or chest pain
- Coughing or wheezing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Persistent headaches
- Burning or redness in the eyes
Even if you are not experiencing these symptoms but are in an at-risk category, such as those with pre-existing chronic respiratory conditions, get checked out by a doctor and let them know about your exposure. There may be specific tests they can run to determine if you will suffer any long-term effects.
Will the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires Lower the Value of My Home or Business?
After any catastrophe, the homes and businesses in a nearby area may be affected. If you are a member of the community surrounding the power plant fires in Moss Landing, it is reasonable to be concerned about how it could affect the value of your home or business. Perception of risk may be heightened, causing insurance companies to raise premiums, and in some cases, some insurance providers might be hesitant to insure properties in the immediate vicinity altogether, deeming the risk too high to cover.
Lenders may also use additional caution when considering providing a mortgage or other loan. This could also include stricter appraisal requirements, larger downpayment demands, or challenges for refinancing existing debt. The overall anxiety and concerns of contamination, environmental hazards, and other stigmas may diminish the quality of life in the area’s residents, reflected in the values of homes and businesses. The local economy can also be impacted, which could cause an overall disruption that indirectly impacts the housing market in the area.
Holding responsible parties liable is crucial to protecting your legal rights and financial status. Legal action and subsequent settlements could influence the long-term recovery and perception of the area. If you are a property owner in Moss Landing, CA, or a neighboring community, we understand your concerns about your home value. Connect with our team to discuss how we may be able to help you regain compensation for your losses and hold those responsible liable for their actions. We can provide insights specific to your situation and help you navigate any potential legal challenges moving forward with your home or business.
Did the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires Affect the Local Water and Soil?
Soil and water absorb everything and are a great litmus test of how eco-friendly a community is. The Moss Landing Power Plant fire may have contributed to environmental contamination that could affect agriculture in the area, including livestock and crops. As some residents rely on these as a way to feed their families and pay their bills, this could be a very concerning issue.
Comprehensive tests must be run on the soil and water in the area to determine if any contamination occurred, and at what levels, if any. Some level of heavy metals or other contaminants may be present, but the question remains if the levels are tolerable. Regulatory agencies have established acceptable levels for various contaminants based on chemical research and risk assessment, which will be used to compare against the results of testing to determine if the contamination levels pose a threat to human health or the environment.
If contamination levels exceed acceptable limits, cleanup and remediation efforts are necessary to remove or neutralize the pollutants and prevent further harm to human health and the ecosystem. Remediation efforts will aim to restore the soil and water quality to a safe state, allowing for the continued use of land for agriculture that supports the area.
Testing, cleanup, and remediation can be expensive. Working with local environmental lawyers like Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith can help hold those responsible liable for the costs, ensuring that the community is compensated for the damage done to the ecosystem they rely on for the agricultural industry, including crops and livestock, as well as their own health and well-being.
Recovering Compensation for Those Affected by the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
The fires at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility have created significant hardships for the Moss Landing community and its neighbors. If you or someone you love has been affected, you may have the right to financial compensation for a range of losses and damages, such as:
- Evacuation Expenses: Reimbursement for costs like temporary housing and meals incurred during mandatory evacuations, as well as compensation for the considerable disruption and inconvenience to your life.
- Medical Bills: Coverage for medical treatment, including doctor visits, tests, medications, and ongoing care, if you have experienced health issues due to smoke inhalation or other exposure related to the fires.
- Lost Pay: Compensation for pay lost if you were unable to work due to evacuation orders or fire-related health problems.
- Property Repair: Funds to cover the costs of repairing or replacing any property directly damaged by the fires or associated incidents.
- Reduced Value: Financial compensation for the decreased value of your home or business due to the presence of a fire-prone facility and potential environmental concerns.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for emotional suffering, anxiety, and potential PTSD resulting from the fires, evacuations, and ongoing safety concerns.
- Long-Term Health Conditions: If you develop long-term health conditions linked to lithium battery fires and the release of toxic fumes, you may be entitled to further medical expenses.
- Environmental Restoration: Funds that address the costs of cleaning up environmental damage and the impact on the local ecosystems and agriculture.
Working with an environmental lawyer can help you assess the full scope of your losses and pursue compensation from those responsible. We can help you calculate a complete picture of your losses, both present and future, including any expenses or damages that may only present themselves in the future. Contact us today to get a free case consultation and get started.
How Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann Can Help
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.
Seeking Justice for Moss Landing Residents Affected by Power Plant Fires
If you are a resident of Moss Landing, CA, or a nearby community in Monterey County and have been impacted by the Vistra Energy Storage Facility fires, reach out to the knowledgeable environmental lawyers at Danko Meredith for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting your legal rights to compensation and holding liable companies responsible for their actions. Be sure to contact us today if this sounds like you.