Moss Landing Power Plant Battery Fire: Seeking Justice for Residents and Victims

If you or someone you love was affected by the Moss Landing Power Plant fire, which caused evacuations, road closures, and potential environmental health hazards in the town of Moss Landing at the midpoint of Monterey Bay, you may be entitled to compensation. The largest lithium ion battery storage plant in the world, owned by Vistra Energy, caught fire on January 16, 2025, and a local state of emergency was declared the next day. Contact the lawyers at Singleton Schreiber today to file a claim.

Client-Centered Justice

How We Can Help

At Singleton Schreiber, we understand the devastating impact of environmental and industrial disasters caused by large corporations. Our experienced attorneys are committed to holding Vistra Energy accountable and helping you seek the justice you deserve.

Our attorneys offer comprehensive assistance:

• Over 75 years of collective experience helping clients affected by devastating, human-caused environmental disasters
• Dedicated support throughout the legal process
• Ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your injuries
• Involved in record-setting $1.6 billion fine against PG&E
• In-depth knowledge of environmental investigations
• $55 million jury verdict against a combined-cycle power plant in Sacramento County
• Pay no fees unless we win

Background

Case Details

The largest battery storage facility in the world, owned by Vistra Energy, erupted in flames on January 16, 2025. Local leaders declared a state of emergency the following day.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, its ramifications could linger for much longer than the blaze itself. Due to the chemical nature of the lithium ion battery fire, firefighters responding to it could only contain it and let it burn out, as it scorched more than 75% of the plant in which it sparked. With dozens of batteries igniting simultaneously, crews were unable to stop the fire once it got started.

The battery facility’s fire suppression system was also not able to stop the fire before it got out of hand, though it was not reported what caused the suppression system to fail.

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve nature preservation area was forced to close indefinitely due to potential health risks from the fire, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to conduct tests to determine any effects on the area’s air, water, and soil quality. It’s estimated that the reserve will reopen to the public on February 7, after the potential health risks from the fire have been assessed.

Researchers from UC Santa Cruz were monitoring sea otters in the area in the days after the fire for any potential ecological impacts. Considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, there are only about 3,000 sea otters in California.

Authorities have asked residents to monitor wind conditions for hazardous smoke drifting into neighboring communities from the plant, though Santa Cruz health officials said there was “no immediate threat” from smoke the day after the fire.

According to Santa Cruz Local, teachers at Ohlone Elementary School in Royal Oaks reported “fumes” in the air that day, and one second grade teacher said kids were “complaining that it smells really bad, and some students are starting to feel really sick,” adding, “A lot of staff members were starting to get headaches and itchy eyes.”

A press release from Santa Cruz County public health officials said, “Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory difficulties, should continue monitoring local air conditions,” adding, “Sensitive populations and people who live closest to the fire should avoid outdoor activity, wear an N95 respirator or surgical mask, and seek medical help if respiratory symptoms worsen.”

According to the county, sensitive groups include “young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”

The Health Services Agency also urged residents who live near the fire to “limit outdoor exposure, keep windows and doors closed, and adjust central air systems to recirculate indoor air or close outdoor air intakes to avoid drawing in smoky outdoor air.”

The day after the fire, Pajaro Valley Unified School District schools said they were keeping students inside with windows and doors closed, and that they were cancelling after-school programs due to health concerns related to the smoke.

Smoke from battery fires can include hazardous gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen fluoride, which can pose serious health hazards.

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Holding the Harmful Accountable

With a dedicated team of approximately 300 staff members and over 80 attorneys, Singleton Schreiber serves individuals and families in more than 15 states, including California, Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Our attorneys have decades of litigation experience and have helped over 26,000 utility fire victims and recovered over $3 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients in the last ten years alone.

Singleton Schreiber fights for our communities and is here to listen, support, and put your needs first. What justice means to you is what matters most. What’s going to make you feel whole, that’s what matters. Simply put, you are what matters. Our client-focused attorneys will make your justice our top priority.

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