The Moss Landing community and surrounding areas of Monterey County have been deeply affected by the recent fires at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility, one of the largest lithium-ion battery sites in the world. The incidents early this year forced the evacuation of over a thousand residents. They raised serious concerns about the health risks of inhaling toxic lithium-ion battery fumes and potential contamination of the region’s air, water, and soil.
Here, the California environmental attorneys at Danko Meredith Trial Lawyers offer critical guidance for residents concerned about exposure to hazardous fumes from these fires. We outline steps to take if you have inhaled battery fumes, signs and symptoms to watch for, when to seek medical care, and how the fires may impact your health, property, and environment. Our legal teams at Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith Injury Lawyers work zealously to help affected individuals pursue compensation and justice.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Inhale Lithium Battery Fumes
The fires at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility in Moss Landing have raised understandable concerns about exposure to harmful lithium-ion battery fumes. These fumes can pose immediate and long-term health risks. If you believe you may have inhaled them, taking quick and appropriate action is essential. Here is what to do:
- Evacuate: Leave immediately if you see smoke or smell a chemical or burning odor. Follow all instructions from emergency responders and prioritize safety.
- Move to fresh air: Move to an area with clean air. If indoors, ventilate the space by opening windows and doors. Move to higher ground if possible, as some fumes may settle in lower areas.
- Cover your mouth and nose: If you cannot leave right away or are still exposed to smoke, cover your nose and mouth with a clean cloth or mask to help reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tell your healthcare provider when and where the potential exposure occurred and describe any symptoms.
- Remove contaminated clothing: If you were near the smoke, remove and bag contaminated clothing, then wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water.
- Stay informed: Follow local news and official alerts about air quality, health risks, and any ongoing evacuation or shelter-in-place orders.
Prompt action can make a critical difference in protecting your health after exposure to hazardous battery fumes.
Tips for Potential Future Battery Fire Incidents
The following information is essential in case of a future battery fire incident:
- Know your evacuation routes: Familiarize yourself with designated evacuation routes in your neighborhood in case of future emergencies.
- Have an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, dust masks or N95 respirators, and essential medications.
- Stay informed during alerts: Sign up for local emergency alerts and notifications to receive timely information about potential hazards and necessary actions.
- Follow official instructions: During an emergency, always follow local authorities and responders’ instructions and guidance. They are best equipped to assess the situation and provide appropriate directions.
- Document everything: If you experience any health issues or property damage that you believe may be related to the fires, keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical treatments, expenses, and any communication with authorities or other parties. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Being prepared and informed can help you respond more effectively and protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of another battery fire incident.
What We Know So Far About the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
On January 16, 2025, a major fire erupted at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Moss Landing, California. This lithium-ion battery energy storage site, one of the largest in the world, caught fire for reasons still under investigation. The on-site fire suppression systems failed to contain the blaze, and the incident triggered the evacuation of approximately 1,200 residents.
Just over a month later, on February 18, 2025, the fire reignited. Though smaller in scale and shorter in duration, the incident deepened community concerns about the facility’s safety and reliability. This was not the first incident. The facility experienced two high-temperature events in 2021 and another in 2022 that did not result in open flames. However, these near-misses, combined with a September 2022 fire at the nearby Elkhorn Battery Facility involving a Tesla Megapack, have drawn attention to the persistent risks of energy storage systems in residential or agricultural areas.
Residents are now voicing concerns over:
- Inhalation of harmful fumes and toxic particles
- Air, water, and soil contamination
- The health and safety of children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions
- The facility’s emergency preparedness and oversight
- The long-term impact on property values and livelihoods
Symptoms of Lithium-Ion Battery Fume Inhalation
When lithium-ion batteries burn, they release a mixture of gases and particulates that can be immediately dangerous to human health. The symptoms of exposure may vary depending on the concentration of the fumes, duration of exposure, and the individual’s health condition. Common short-term symptoms include:
- Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headache or dizziness
- Chest tightness or pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Asthma exacerbation
Sometimes, symptoms may not appear immediately. Children, seniors, and individuals with underlying respiratory issues may be especially vulnerable. If you live in the area and notice any of these symptoms, even days later, it is critical to seek medical attention and inform your doctor about the potential exposure.
Long-Term Health Effects of Lithium-Ion Battery Fumes
While prompt treatment and removal from exposure may resolve short-term symptoms, long-term effects are a serious concern, especially if prolonged or repeated exposure to toxic fumes occurred.
Potential long-term health effects include:
- Chronic respiratory issues: Prolonged or repeated exposure to irritants like hydrogen fluoride and particulate matter can lead to chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other long-term lung problems. This can manifest as persistent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Pulmonary fibrosis: In severe cases of exposure to certain chemicals, there is a risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis, a condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, making breathing difficult.
- Neurological problems: Some of the volatile organic compounds and metal nanoparticles released in battery fires have the potential to cause neurological issues over time. Research in this area is ongoing, but concerns exist regarding potential impacts on cognitive function and the nervous system.
- Cardiovascular issues: Exposure to fine particulate matter has been linked to an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
- Increased cancer risk: Some chemicals released during battery fires are known or suspected carcinogens. Long-term exposure could potentially increase the risk of certain types of cancer, although the specific risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires are still being studied.
- Developmental issues: Exposure to certain toxins during pregnancy can potentially lead to developmental problems in children. This is a particular concern for pregnant individuals living in the affected area.
- Other systemic effects: Depending on the specific chemicals and metals inhaled, there is the potential for long-term impact on other organ systems, such as the kidneys and liver.
Research into the long-term health effects of lithium-ion battery fires is ongoing, but existing data from similar chemical and industrial exposures suggest that ongoing medical monitoring is necessary.
When To See a Doctor About Potential Exposure to Harmful Battery Fumes
If you were present during the evacuation or within a few miles of the Moss Landing facility on or after January 16, 2025, err on the side of caution and speak to a healthcare provider. You should see a doctor if:
- You experience persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms
- You have a preexisting condition like asthma, COPD, or heart disease
- You are pregnant or have young children in your household
- You develop skin rashes, vision changes, or neurological symptoms like tremors or memory loss
- You notice unusual fatigue or weakness without explanation
Tell your provider you may have been exposed to lithium battery fire fumes. They may recommend pulmonary function tests, imaging such as a chest X-ray, or toxicology screening.
Will the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires Affect the Value of My Home or Business?
The Moss Landing power plant fires have understandably raised concerns among homeowners and business owners in the surrounding areas about the potential impact on their property values. Several factors related to these incidents could contribute to a decline or stagnation in property values:
- Perceived environmental risk: The fires and potential for releasing toxic substances can create a perception that the area is environmentally hazardous. This negative perception can deter potential buyers and renters, decreasing demand and consequently lowering property values.
- Concerns about future incidents: The re-ignition of the fire and history of safety incidents at the plant may lead to ongoing concerns about the risk of future fires or other environmental releases. This uncertainty can make potential buyers hesitant to invest in the area.
- Potential for environmental contamination: If investigations reveal significant contamination of the air, water, or soil near the plant, this could directly impact property values. Even if successful, remediation efforts may not fully restore buyer confidence.
- Insurance issues: Due to the perceived risks associated with living near the power plant, homeowners in the area might face increased insurance premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage. This added cost or limitation can negatively affect property values.
- Lender hesitancy: Banks and mortgage lenders might become more cautious about lending in the area, fearing potential property devaluation due to environmental concerns. This could reduce the pool of potential buyers and put downward pressure on prices.
- Stigma: Even without definitive evidence of widespread contamination, the negative publicity surrounding the fires can create a stigma associated with the area, making it less desirable for some buyers.
- Impact on local economy: If businesses are negatively affected by the fires or the perception of risk, this could lead to job losses and a decline in the local economy, further impacting property values.
You may be entitled to compensation if your property value has dropped or your ability to sell or refinance your home has been affected. Document any financial losses incurred due to the fires, including potential decreases in property value, if you pursue legal action to seek compensation.
Were the Soil and Water Affected by the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires?
After the lithium battery fires at the Moss Landing Power Plant, many residents in Moss Landing and nearby agricultural areas have expressed concern about possible contamination of local soil and water. Lithium-ion batteries contain hazardous metals and chemicals that, when burned, can release toxins into the environment, potentially impacting health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
The fires may have introduced harmful substances like cobalt, nickel, manganese, and fluoride compounds into the soil. These contaminants can persist over time, posing risks to plant life, livestock, and humans. If absorbed by crops or consumed by animals, these toxins could infiltrate the food supply and degrade soil quality, threatening agricultural productivity across the region.
Water contamination is also a serious risk. Firefighting efforts may have created runoff carrying toxic materials into local water bodies, including the ecologically sensitive Elkhorn Slough. This runoff, potential leaching into groundwater, and contamination from airborne particles could harm aquatic life, affect irrigation sources, and compromise drinking water. Given Monterey County’s reliance on agriculture, even the perception of contamination could damage the area’s agricultural economy and reputation.
The Need for Thorough Environmental Testing in the Region
Regulatory agencies must conduct comprehensive testing of the soil, surface water, and groundwater near the Moss Landing power plant to determine the extent of contamination. This testing should analyze various potential contaminants associated with lithium-ion battery fires. The results of these tests will be essential for:
- Assessing the immediate and long-term risks to human health and the environment
- Developing appropriate remediation strategies if they find contamination
- Providing accurate information to residents and the agricultural community
- Ensuring the safety of the food supply
Residents and agricultural stakeholders in Monterey County have a right to know the results of these environmental assessments and to understand the potential implications for their health and livelihoods.
Compensation for Those Impacted by the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
You may be entitled to financial compensation if you were affected by the Moss Landing fires in any of the following ways:
- Evacuation-related expenses, such as temporary housing, lost income, transportation
- Medical bills from exposure-related illness
- Ongoing treatment or monitoring
- Lost income due to illness or business disruption
- Property damage or devaluation
- Emotional distress and anxiety
Depending on the facts uncovered in the ongoing investigation, including any failures in facility design, oversight, or emergency planning, you may also be eligible for exemplary damages designed to hold the responsible parties accountable. Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith are actively investigating claims and pursuing relief for affected individuals and families.
Establishing a Claim for Compensation
To pursue a compensation claim, it is essential for affected individuals and businesses to:
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all expenses, losses, medical treatments, communications with authorities, and any other relevant information related to the fires and their aftermath.
- Gather evidence: Collect evidence supporting your claim, such as evacuation orders, medical records, repair estimates, financial records, and expert opinions.
- Consult with legal counsel: Our experienced environmental lawyers can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and build a strong case for compensation.
Taking these steps early can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim.
How Fiore Achermann and Danko Meredith Can Help You
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.
Speak With Our Lawyers About Your Rights Today
If you were exposed to toxic fumes from the Moss Landing Power Plant fires or are dealing with the financial, health, or emotional fallout, contact Danko Meredith Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your situation, help you gather documentation, and determine whether you may be eligible for compensation. Our team is committed to protecting your health, property, and future.