A fire has broken out at the Vistra Power Plant in Moss Landing, California, leading to new evacuation orders in the area. The fire was reported, prompting the evacuation of the facility and surrounding areas.
“We do have an active fire, burning through the building. Essentially what we are doing is backing out of the facility,” North Monterey County Fire Chief Joel Mendoza told the Weekly at about 6:30pm.
Evacuation orders have been issued for zones south of Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and Elkhorn Road to the ocean. The fire is considered non-hazardous, but a hazmat team is on standby as a precaution. Who knows how long that will be the case since these are lithium ion batteries in the building.
Road closures are in effect on Highway 1 at Salinas Road and other local routes. Residents in the specified zones are urged to follow the evacuation orders and to close windows and doors as a safety measure. An evacuation center has been established at the Castroville Recreation Center to aid those displaced by the fire.
Due to ongoing large fire in Moss Landing, Santa Cruz County Public Health officials are advising residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, limit outdoor exposure, and turn off ventilation systems.
