On January 16, 2025, a major fire started at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant. This lithium-ion battery storage site is one of the largest in the world. Residents were ordered to evacuate as the fire burned for two days; they were allowed to return home on January 19, 2025. On February 18, 2025 (just 35 days later), smoke emerged from the Vistra Energy Storage Facility again. The cause of the initial fire remains under investigation.
On March 10, 2025, Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann formally filed a complaint. We are proud to represent Moss Landing residents against Moss Landing Power Company, Vistra Energy, and other parties who may have played a role in the fire. As we’re coming up on the one-year mark of this incident, we’d like to go over what we know and the long-term concerns locals have for Moss Landing and Monterey County as a whole.
If you live in Moss Landing and suffered health issues or financial losses because of the Vistra Energy battery fires, our lawyers can help you file a lawsuit. To set up a free consultation with our attorneys, contact our Bay Area law firm today. You can also reach us by phone at (650) 453-3600.
Timeline: The Vistra Energy Battery Fires at the Moss Landing Power Plant
Below is a general timeline of events surrounding the two Vistra Energy battery fires at Moss Landing Power Plant.
- January 16, 2025 – The Fire at Moss 300: Around 5:00pm, lithium-ion batteries catch fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant, located at 7301 State Highway 1. The fire emitted a vast plume of toxic smoke and particulate matter, which spread across Monterey County and beyond, depositing ash, soot, and heavy metal-laden substances onto nearby communities, farms, and natural areas.
- January 16-17, 2025 – Evacuation Orders for Locals: Monterey County authorities issue evacuation orders for local residents due to the danger of toxic smoke from the fire.
- January 18, 2025 – Health Advisory Issued: Local authorities advised those near the Moss Landing Power Plant who smelled smoke to minimize outdoor activities and seek medical care if they experienced troubling symptoms.
- January 19, 2025 – Evacuation Orders Lifted: The fire at the plant is no longer active. Residents are allowed to return home, though they are instructed to avoid direct contact with any ash or debris that may be related to the fire.
- February 18, 2025 – Second Fire at the Facility: Around 6:30pm, light smoke and smaller fire were reported at Moss 300 in the evening. No evacuation orders were issued, though local authorities instructed residents to close windows and doors overnight as a precautionary measure. The small fire reportedly burned itself out by the morning.
Our law firm estimates that this incident potentially affected thousands of people in Moss Landing and nearby parts of Monterey County. Cleanup at the Moss 300 building is still underway.
What Caused the Vistra Energy Battery Fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant?
As we noted, the cause of the lithium-ion battery fires is still under investigation.
However, some experts noted that a change to the Moss Landing Power Plant prior to January 2025 may have undermined the fire suppression system.
How Thermal Runaway Is Prevented as Part of Fire Suppression
In an NBC Bay Area News investigative report from April 2025, two experts were interviewed on how to properly address thermal runaway fires involving lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway is when chemical reactions within a lithium-ion battery are accelerated due to damage, overcharging, or excessive heat, which can cause fires and explosions.
Both experts concurred that the best way to put out these fires is to flood the area with water as soon as there is risk of high temperatures. Immediate response to any early warnings can prevent a dangerous lithium-ion battery fire.
Two Previous Vistra Energy High-Temperature Incidents
In September 2021, there was a high-temperature safety incident caused by a leaking liquid cooling hose. Thankfully, there was no fire.
In February 2022, there was another high-temperature incident at the Vistra Energy storage facility. This was deemed a false alarm.
Vistra Energy Takes “Corrective Actions” on Fire Suppression System
In response to these two separate high-temperature incidents, Vistra Energy took “corrective actions” regarding its very early warning systems for fires.
One of the experts in the NBC Bay Area News report opined that Vistra Energy essentially disabled its very early warning system for lithium-ion battery fires. If that was the case, this means the sprinkler system was not triggered by initial signs of trouble during a high-temperature incident, which would allow thermal runaway to occur.
As NBC Bay Area News noted, the change to the early warning system was implemented without being tested first.
55,000 Pounds of Toxic Metals Found in Nearby Wetland After the Fire
Researchers at San Jose State University’s (SJSU) Moss Landing Marine Laboratories compared soil samples from a wetland region near the power plant before and after the battery fire.
According to ABC7 News in December 2025, there were increased levels of nickel, manganese, and cobalt in the soil of nearby marshlands.
This Is Just a Fraction of the Heavy Metals Produced by the Fire
As SJSU’s Dr. Ivano W. Aiello wrote for The Conversation, an estimated 25 metric tons (55,000 pounds) of these heavy metals blanketed a half-square mile of the wetlands around Elkhorn Slough alone.
Dr. Aiello notes that this amount measured in the nearby marshlands may be just 2% of all metals released by the Vistra Energy battery fire in the region.
While rain and tidal events may have helped wash away these metals in the marshland, some of them may have entered the estuary’s food chain. Researchers will continue to monitor the effects on local wildlife.
Moss Landing Residents Remain Concerned About Health and Wellness
The long-term effects of the Vistra Energy battery fire remain to be seen. Many Moss Landing residents reported concerning symptoms of inhaling battery fumes around the time of the initial fire, including:
- Respiratory Distress: Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and burning sensations in the throat and chest may occur.
- Ocular and Dermal Irritation: Eyes may become red, watery, burning, and itchy, and the skin can develop rashes and irritation.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Inhaling these fumes may result in nausea and vomiting.
- Neurological Effects: Carbon monoxide and other gases may cause headaches and dizziness.
In a January 2026 report by KSBW Action News 8, multiple local residents shared their symptoms and concerns for their long-term wellness.
One Family’s Struggles After the Fire
In a January 2026 feature by Inside Climate News, Moss Landing resident Brian Roeder stated, “My life and the life of my family is measured by before Jan. 16, 2025, and after.”
Following the fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant, Roeder and his son experienced difficulty breathing; Roeder’s wife experienced a flare-up of a pre-existing health condition. The Roeders remain worried about the possible long-term health risks of inhaling toxic substances.
As Inside Climate News reported, the family bounced between multiple Airbnbs and eventually sold their house at a loss.
Concerns About Impact on Local Crops and Livestock
There are ongoing concerns about local agriculture in Monterey County following the fire. A report by Monterey County Now mentioned that a farm animal in Prunedale (not far from Moss Landing) has experienced multiple stillbirths since the incident. Another report by Monterey County Now also noted concerns about crops in the region in light of the SJSU findings about heavy metals.
Again, the long-term health effects on the region and its local crops have yet to be understood.
Vistra Energy Battery Fire Potentially Affecting Local Businesses and Property Values
In addition to health concerns, Moss Landing residents have also been worried about property values and business in the region following the battery fire. KPIX Bay Area News reported on the initial concerns about property values back in March 2025.
A February 2026 feature in Santa Cruz Local focused on Kim Solano, who operates a restaurant and art gallery in Moss Landing. She and her husband developed dry eyes and a cough from the fire, leading her doctor to prescribe an inhaler.
Solano has since shut down her restaurant due to anxieties over the future. She commented on fewer people visiting the area since the fire. Before she closed her restaurant, she became nervous to source local ingredients because of the potential effects of the fire on Monterey County agriculture.
When the second fire occurred in February 2025, Solano heard from a real estate agent that the value of her property had fallen.
Risk of Fire Affects Plans for a New Battery Storage Facility in the Region
In October 2025, numerous residents showed up at City Hall to express concerns over a proposed battery storage facility in Watsonville on Minto Road, which is around 10 miles north of Moss Landing.
As KSBW Action News 8 reported, many residents who attended that meeting had the Vistra Energy fire in mind. While New Leaf Energy (the company behind the proposed Watsonville facility) promised greater safety standards, it’s done nothing to assuage the concerns in the community.
A more recent KSBW Action News 8 report noted that the proposed project is roughly the size of 10 football fields. If approved, the Watsonville facility wouldn’t be operational until 2029 at the earliest.
Our Law Firm Can Help Moss Landing Residents Seek Compensation
If you live in Moss Landing, Prunedale, Castroville, or any of the nearby communities potentially affected by the Vistra Energy fire, our attorneys can help you seek damages as part of a legal action.
Compensation in a Moss Landing Power Plant claim could help cover all kinds of expenses related to the incident, including:
- Healthcare costs, ongoing treatment, and any medical equipment needed due to smoke inhalation and chemical exposure
- Lost income from having to close businesses or being unable to work due to illness or a closed business
- Damage to property and the costs of decontamination efforts
- Loss of property values due to local long-term safety concerns
- Travel, lodging, and relocation due to being ordered to evacuate the area
- Pain, suffering, and mental distress suffered due to the evacuation or ensuing health problems
During a free consultation, we can discuss how much your claim may be worth.
Why Choose Danko Meredith for Help with a Moss Landing/Vistra Energy Claim
Over the years, Danko Meredith has represented regular Californians who’ve been seriously affected by companies putting profits over public safety. Whether you’ve suffered serious medical issues, experienced a dip in your business, or have to deal with a loss of property values, our law firm is here to provide the support and peace of mind you need while pursuing compensation.
Our lawyers are ready to level the playing field.
We Have a Record of Holding Powerful Interests Accountable
Danko Meredith has worked on complex cases that involve major corporations and California utility companies. This includes litigation against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) for their roles in California wildfires. We won’t be intimidated by large defense teams. We may be outnumbered, but we won’t be out-lawyered. We encourage you to browse through our past case results.
We Have the Resources to Handle Complicated Cases
Some law firms look to settle promptly, but Danko Meredith is willing to see a case through to the end in order to maximize compensation. Our law firm has the talent and resources to continue negotiating or proceed to trial if it’s what’s best for our clients. We also have access to some of the leading expert witnesses in the country who can help us build compelling cases backed by evidence.
We Don’t Get Paid Unless We Win Your Case
If you’ve developed medical problems or have had a dip in business due to the Vistra Energy fire, you don’t need another bill. In addition to free case reviews, the lawyers at Danko Meredith work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if we can secure a settlement or win damages in court. If we don’t win, clients owe us nothing.
Contact Our Law Firm to Discuss the Moss Landing Power Plant Fire
Danko Meredith is here to help residents of Moss Landing and surrounding communities affected by the Vistra Energy battery fire. To share your story with our team during a free case review, contact Danko Meredith today. You can also call our attorneys at (650) 453-3600.