Vistra Battery Fire at Moss Landing Power Plant

On January 16, 2025, a massive lithium-ion battery fire erupted at the Vistra Energy Storage Facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant. This is one of the largest battery storage facilities in the world. More than 1,000 residents near the power plant were evacuated as wind carried toxic smoke, ash, and hazardous chemicals into surrounding communities. The fire burned out on January 19, 2025, though smoke and flames at Moss 300 were reported 35 days later on February 18, 2025.

On March 10th, 2025, Danko Meredith and Fiore Achermann formally filed a complaint against the Moss Landing Power Company and other parties for their role in the battery fire.

If you or your family were impacted by the 2025 Vistra Energy battery fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant, you may be entitled to compensation. Danko Meredith is fighting to hold the responsible parties accountable and get justice for affected families and businesses. For a free case review, contact our law firm today. You can also call us at (650) 453-3600.

What Caused the 2025 Vistra Energy Storage Facility Fire?

The cause of the Vistra Energy battery fire is still being investigated. However, an investigative report by NBC Bay Area News in April 2025 offers some theories about what may have happened.

About Thermal Runaway and Lithium-Ion Batteries

The two experts interviewed in the NBC Bay Area News report mentioned the dangers of thermal runaway. In simple terms, thermal runaway is when the chemical reactions inside a lithium-ion battery get accelerated because of damage, overcharging, or overheating. This chain reaction within a battery can cause fires or explosions.

As noted in the report, a common way to address thermal runaway is to flood the area with water as soon as there are early warning signs of overheating.

Previous High-Temperature Incidents at the Vistra Storage Facility

Before the 2025 fire, there were two high-temperature incidents involving the Vistra Energy Storage Facility. These were not fires, but they triggered early warning systems.

• September 2021: A high-temperature safety incident was caused by a leaking liquid cooling hose.
• February 2022: This high-temperature incident was deemed a false alarm.

Vistra Energy Takes “Corrective Actions” After High-Temperature Incidents

Vistra Energy claims it took “corrective actions” following these two high-temperature events. These actions altered their very early warning systems.

One of the experts interviewed by NBC Bay Area News speculated that this may have effectively disabled that system. If that occurred, this could potentially allow a high-temperature incident and thermal runaway.

Vistra Energy Battery Fire Initial Investigation

Here are some initial observations about the fire and what occurred.

• The Type of Batteries at the Storage Facility: Initial investigation indicates that the Moss Landing BESS used lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (“NMC”) batteries that are more prone to thermal instability than newer alternatives like lithium-iron phosphate (“LFP”) batteries. The NMC batteries undergo thermal runaway at a lower temperature and release more energy from decomposition.
• There May Have Been Too Many Batteries in One Place: It also appears that too many batteries were stored in one enclosed space, and the facility failed to use modular battery containers with proper controls and safety equipment. The Moss Landing BESS increased the risk of harm by improperly storing the batteries.
• Outdated Fire Suppression Systems at the Facility: There are also reports that the fire suppression system was an outdated water-based heat suppression system and was not effective in stopping thermal runaway or extinguishing lithium-ion fires.

Impact of the Battery Fire on the Moss Landing Area

The Vistra Energy battery fire released many metric tons of nickel, manganese, and cobalt into the air. According to Moss Landing Marine Laboratories at San Jose State University (SJSU), roughly 25 metric tons (55,000 pounds) of cathode metals were found in the nearby Elkorn Slough alone.

As SJSU’s Ivano W. Aiello wrote in December 2025, up to 1,400 metric tons of cathode material may have been carried in the plumes of smoke from the Moss Landing Power Plant.

Health Risks from Toxic Smoke Inhalation

Residents around Moss Landing reported numerous respiratory side effects during and after the Vistra Energy battery fire. These symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Headache or dizziness
• Chest tightness or pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nosebleeds
• Asthma exacerbation

There are also reports of people’s pre-existing health conditions being aggravated by the smoke inhalation. We have previously written about the steps you should take after inhaling lithium battery fumes.

Impact on Local Businesses

Some businesses near the Moss Landing Power Plant or along Highway 1 near the plant have experienced a decline in business. There are also reports about business owners being concerned about the long-term economic impacts the fire could have on the region.

Impact on Property Values in the Area

In addition to declining business in and around Moss Landing, homeowners and business owners are also concerned about lower property values. Property values could decline if there is a risk of another fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant or if there is a problem during the ongoing cleanup of Moss 300 where the fire occurred.

Long-Term Impact on the Region

There are farms and fields in the area that could have been affected by the fire, especially as the wind carried the plumes of smoke and cathode metals. We have yet to learn about the possible effects on any local crops or livestock in the region.

Who Can File a Legal Claim?

You may have a case if:

• You lived, worked, or owned property in the affected areas of Monterey County
• You suffered respiratory issues, skin irritation, or other health problems from toxic smoke exposure
• You had to evacuate your home or business, causing financial losses
• Your property was contaminated with ash, soot, or heavy metals
• Your property lost value as a result of the long-term impact of the fire
• Your business lost income due to closures, supply chain disruptions, or road shutdowns

If you have experienced any of these problems, Danko Merdith can help.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you qualify for a lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses for respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health effects
• Property decontamination for ash, soot, and toxic metals
• Loss of income due to business closures or missed work
• Evacuation costs such as hotel stays, food, and travel expenses
• Pain and suffering for emotional distress and loss of quality of life

We will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Reach out to Danko Meredith using the contact form at the top of this page or call us at (650) 609-3835. 

Why Choose Danko Meredith for Your Moss Landing Power Plant Claim?

At Danko Meredith, we have a record of holding powerful interests accountable. Our attorneys have successfully recovered over $1.5 billion for victims of corporate negligence, toxic exposure, California wildfires, and other large-scale disasters.

• No Upfront Fees – We don’t get paid unless you win
• Personalized Representation – We fight aggressively for each client’s unique losses
• Proven Results – We’ve helped victims of wildfires, explosions, toxic spills, and industrial disasters recover maximum compensation

We know what it takes to win against large corporations, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Get a Free Consultation at Danko Meredith to Learn More

If you or a loved one have been affected by the Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant Fire in Monterey County, Danko Meredith is here to help. We’ll fight to hold all parties accountable. For a free case review, contact our law firm today.