The 2025 lithium-ion battery fires at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility at Moss Landing Power Plant have sparked questions about the cause of these fires and their potential health risks. With the increased attention on this matter, it is important to understand why lithium batteries catch fire and how you and your family can stay safe when these dangerous fires occur.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or negative health effects as a result of these recent power plant fires, Danko Meredith, along with Fiore Achermann, can help you take legal action. We advocate for you so you can hold these companies accountable. Together, our teams can fight for you and secure the resources you need to cover your medical care and losses.
Anatomy of a Lithium-Ion Battery
To understand why lithium-ion batteries catch fire, it is important to first understand the structure and make-up of these batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are made up of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, and graphite, and metals such as nickel, copper, steel, iron, and aluminum. These compounds undergo extensive synthesis during the lithium battery manufacturing process, which involves various chemical reactions before it is formed into their packaged form.
While the exact composition of lithium batteries may vary depending on their form, they are all made up of the same components. They have a cathode (positive end), an anode (negative end), partitions that can create one or more separators inside the battery, and an electrolyte solution that conducts energy. These components work together to create heat that, in turn, powers various devices, including vehicle batteries.
Why Lithium Batteries Are Highly Flammable Products
The way these batteries are structured, heat is generated during the process of energy creation and transfer. You have likely noticed this when using or charging various electronic devices. While some heat generation is normal, if too much heat builds up, it can cause a process called thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway occurs when a battery generates enough heat to cause a chemical reaction that creates even more heat. This spike in heat creates even more chemical reactions and heat until the battery releases all of its energy in an uncontrolled manner that causes it to combust. Furthermore, the gases and temperatures caused by the fire can make it extremely difficult to get under control and put out.
Thermal runaway is often caused when lithium batteries are overcharged, charged too quickly, are exposed to temperatures outside their safe range, sustain damage, or are defective. To prevent lithium batteries from catching fire, they must be stored within a specific temperature range. It is also essential that they receive proper airflow and charging to keep the battery temperature from overheating.
Symptoms from Inhaling Lithium-Ion Battery Fumes
Given the chemicals and heavy metals contained in lithium batteries, fumes from these batteries can be extremely toxic. While all of these chemicals are hazardous to inhale, there is one in particular that causes the most damage: hydrogen fluoride. This is one of the most common gases emitted during lithium battery fires.
Hydrogen fluoride is dangerous in small doses and lethal in high doses. The gases can cause burns and irritation of the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and nose. Fluid buildup in the lungs or irregular heartbeats can also be symptoms. Additionally, if particles make contact with the skin, individuals can suffer from rashes, burns, and extreme pain.
Long-Term Health Effects Caused by Inhaling Lithium-Ion Battery Fumes
Given the severity of symptoms caused by hydrogen fluoride, one of the main gases emitted in lithium battery fires, it is not uncommon for individuals to suffer long-term impacts to their health. Even after the initial injuries have improved, they are likely to have caused some irreversible damage or complications. The effects may linger indefinitely or become permanent.
Individuals may suffer from serious lung issues or diseases from breathing in fumes caused by lithium battery fires. If the gases affect the eyes, vision complications and blindness may occur. Additionally, scars, pain, and bone loss can occur if individuals were exposed to contact injuries from particles from the fire.
What You Should Do If You Inhale Fumes from Lithium-Ion Batteries
Since lithium battery fumes are extremely toxic, it is essential to know what to do if you inhale these fumes. Follow all evacuation or shelter-in-place orders issued by officials of Moss Landing, CA. Seek fresh air if you can, and close any outside vents to the home if you cannot leave your home. If you come into contact with any gas, smoke, or particulates from the fire, remove and dispose of clothes and accessories, wash your body, and rinse your eyes.
Planning Ahead for Future Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
Given the recent frequency of fires at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant, it can also be helpful to take proactive steps to ensure you and your family are protected in the event of a future battery plant fire. Sit down with your family and create an action plan so you can react quickly to avoid dangerous battery fumes in the future and limit exposure as much as possible.
When to See a Doctor About Potential Exposure to Harmful Battery Fumes
If you have been exposed to fumes from a lithium battery fire, it is important that you receive medical attention as soon as possible. A quick response is essential to limiting the damage and ensuring you can recover as much as possible. If you begin noticing respiratory issues, vision problems, rashes, or heart problems, contact 911 immediately.
What We Know About the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires So Far
On January 16, 2025, lithium-ion batteries at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility caught fire and burned out of control for more than 24 hours due to extreme heat. The building’s fire suppression systems failed to prevent the blaze or get it under control. During this time, local residents were evacuated from their homes as the fire burned and released toxic chemicals into the air from the contents of the batteries.
Within a month of the original fire, batteries buried in the rubble of the facility reignited and caused a second fire. This took place while cleanup and battery cell disconnections were underway. This fire was not as large or as long-lasting as the first one. However, it rekindled community concerns about local safety and what measures would be taken to prevent this from happening again. These fires were not the first events in recent years to threaten safety.
With cleanup and testing efforts being undertaken to gain clarity about the cause of the battery fire, it is important to understand how Vistra may have contributed to the fire at the Phase One Moss Landing battery energy storage system. While it has been determined that the fire was caused by thermal runaway, the exact cause could be the result of several factors, which could include:
- Battery short circuits caused by battery damage or manufacturing defects
- Overcharging or overdischarging the batteries
- Exposure to high temperatures or other devices that generate heat
- Poor airflow or insufficient ventilation measures
- Failed monitoring and safety measures
- Deterioration of battery quality
The community has continued to express concerns about their safety and the impact on the environment and real estate values. Frustration has been expressed that events like these continue to occur, and locals are demanding better from officials. Residents have suffered negative impacts on their health, properties, and businesses, creating a financial burden on the families and the local economy.
Pursuing Legal Action Against Vistra Energy at Moss Landing Power Plant
Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann filed the Moss Landing fire lawsuit on March 10, 2025. The lawsuit is designed to hold the utility company responsible for not taking sufficient measures to ensure safe battery storage, and to ensure that individuals and businesses who were negatively affected can receive the help they need. We continue to advocate for those living and working in Moss Landing so they can begin to recover from the aftermath of the fire.
Safety Concerns About Soil, Water, and Air Quality After the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
As lithium battery fires continue to occur in the Moss Landing, CA community, residents question the safety of soil and water throughout the area. Testing efforts began shortly after the fire and are currently ongoing. The County of Monterey provides community updates on its website regarding ongoing testing by different parties, monitoring, and debris removal efforts. They also provide resources for residents who were affected by these fires.
Soil samples are currently being collected by Terraphase Engineering to create a human health risk assessment and get a comprehensive picture of the damage. According to key points from the Community Soil Sampling Plan, 27 highly populated locations will be tested for lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, lead, copper, aluminum, pH, and select sites will also be tested for dioxins, furans, and PAHs. Samples will be taken at 0-3” and 3-6” below the ground’s surface.
Additionally, water samples were also collected and analyzed. Metals such as cobalt, nickel, barium, chromium, zinc, and vanadium were found in the samples, but remained within acceptable consumption and recreational use levels. Testing was also conducted on air quality, with similar findings of low-level contaminants that were not enough to threaten public safety.
While initial testing of the area’s soil, water, and air has shown little to no buildup of heavy metals or other dangerous compounds, residents still have concerns about the impact on the area. With January’s fire being the latest in a line of similar events over the years, locals question what impact there may be on the environment in the future if these fires continue to occur and emit chemicals into the atmosphere.
Uncertainty About How the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires May Affect Home Values and Businesses
With continued fire activity in recent years at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility, people living in the surrounding area have begun to wonder how it will affect the value of their homes in the community near the power plant. Historically, past battery fires and safety threats in the area have not negatively affected home values.
In light of the magnitude of the most recent fire, it may be hard to estimate the Moss Landing Power Plant’s effect on home values at this point in time. With how recent the fire was and testing still being conducted, it may be too soon to tell with accuracy if home values will decrease. Homeowners looking to sell may need to consider including information about the area to buyers through the Monterey County Supplemental Disclosure form.
Businesses in the area have also suffered the ill effects of the lithium battery fire event. Some structures suffered damage from soot, ash, and debris that were released during the blaze. Many business owners also had to close their doors during evacuations, and also saw a decrease in customers when they reopened. An impact like this affects the local economy, business viability, and desirability of the area for new businesses considering the area.
Compensation for Moss Landing Residents Affected by the Vistra Energy Storage Facility Fires
The fires at the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant have caused serious harm to residents in the surrounding neighborhoods through contaminated air, property damage, and health conditions. Residents were also required to evacuate during the January 2025 fire, which incurred unexpected expenses. Residents have also had to deal with steep medical costs and property repairs as a result. For many, the financial and economic burden may be overwhelming.
This is where compensation from lawsuits against the energy storage facility in Monterey County can make a significant difference. It can ensure that local residents are not left to shoulder the burden from the company’s actions on their own. If you were affected by the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant fire, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. This may include the following:
- Coverage for medical expenses related to the fire
- Lost income due to being unable to work or open your business.
- Repairs for damaged property
- Decontamination costs
- Expenses incurred from evacuation orders
- Reduced quality of life due to the mental and emotional distress you suffered
Consult your lawyer to discuss the losses you suffered from these fires to determine what you can claim in a lawsuit against Vistra Energy Storage Facility. Every client’s needs are different, and your lawyer can help you calculate the potential value of your settlement to ensure you are fairly compensated so you can get the care you need.
New Legislation Seeks to Minimize Risks to Communities in California
In the wake of the Vistra Energy Storage Facility in Moss Landing, CA, Assembly Member Dawn Addis introduced a new bill, AB-303, to alter requirements for new battery storage facilities in California. If passed, this bill would require that facilities storing batteries in excess of 200 megawatt-hours must not be positioned within 3,200 feet of vulnerable or highly populated areas like cities, schools, and homes. This bill would affect any proposed facility across the state.
This bill also faces significant opposition from energy and utility companies. With provisions in the bill about the allowance of battery storage facilities, those fighting the bill argue that energy efforts would be severely limited throughout the state and would have an economic impact. The bill would also require that utility companies seek approval at both the state and local levels.
Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann: We Can Help Moss Landing Residents Through Legal Action
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 Law Firm About the Moss Landing Power Plant Fires
To learn more about what legal options are available to you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team. Our knowledgeable and highly-skilled lawyers are ready to support you, fight for you, and help you get the justice you deserve so you do not have to carry this burden alone.