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On January 16, 2025, a fire broke out at Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility, a battery storage plant in Monterey County, California. Due to unknown hazards posed by the smoke and fire, evacuation orders were issued, forcing approximately 1,500 local residents to leave their homes, schools to close, and highways to shut down. According to Vistra Energy (the project owner) active flames were no longer visible by January 17, but smoldering could still be seen on January 22.

Around a month later, on February 18, 2025, the fire reignited at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility. This time, residents were instructed to close their windows and doors overnight. According to a press release from Maia Carroll, a county spokesperson, the fire was emitting light smoke. 

Singleton Schreiber has filed a lawsuit against Vistra Corp, and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) on behalf of Moss Landing residents. There are two separate facilities at the site where the fire happened, one of which used to be a PG&E power plant. The lawsuit alleges Vistra failed to take ample safety measures and did not comply with updated safety standards. It also claims that PG&E is responsible for the faulty design of the facility, which may have contributed to causing the fire.

What Toxic Chemicals Were Released from the Moss Landing Fire?

The Moss Landing battery fire likely released several toxic chemicals into the air and the surrounding environment. The combustion of battery electrolyte materials produces harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane. Additionally, burning plastic components may have released substances such as hydrogen cyanide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans, all of which are toxic and carcinogenic or cancer causing.

Environmental testing has also found heavy metals, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, nickel, and zinc, in the surrounding areas. Lead may have also been released. Other toxic air pollutants, such as acrolein and hydrogen fluoride, were likely present, further increasing health risks. More details will emerge as investigations continue.

What Risk Do the Effects of the Fire Pose to the Community and Livestock?

The effects of the Moss Landing battery fire pose several potential risks to both the community and local livestock. Exposure to toxic chemicals released during the fire can lead to short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health complications.

Risks to the Community

Residents exposed to smoke, soot, and airborne contaminants may experience respiratory issues, headaches, eye and skin irritation, and nausea. Prolonged or repeated exposure to toxic substances like acrolein and heavy metals can contribute to more severe conditions, including neurological effects, organ damage, and increased cancer risk. While official monitoring claimed no hazardous air conditions were detected, some residents have reported symptoms that suggest potential exposure.

Risks to Livestock and Agriculture

Livestock may be affected by inhaling airborne toxins or consuming contaminated water and foliage. They may be at higher risk because they were not evacuated during the January fire. Heavy metals and other pollutants can accumulate in soil and water, posing long-term health risks for animals and impacting agricultural productivity. Contamination of grazing areas and water sources can lead to reduced livestock health, lower reproductive success, and potential food safety concerns if affected animals enter the food supply.

What Safety Measures Can Be Taken?

Residents exposed to smoke and chemical fumes should be aware of potential health effects, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and neurological symptoms. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention and consider testing for heavy metal exposure through blood, urine, or hair analysis.

• Blood testing – blood testing provides a snapshot of metals circulating in the bloodstream, making it useful for detecting recent exposures. However, metals tend to leave the blood quickly, either being eliminated or stored in organs and tissues, limiting the test’s effectiveness for determining past or cumulative exposure.
• Urine testing – urine testing measures the metals excreted by the kidneys, which may be eliminated soon after exposure or over a longer period, depending on how the body stores and releases toxins. Factors like hydration and metabolism can affect results, and comparing baseline levels may be necessary for an accurate assessment.
• Hair testing – hair testing offers insight into past or cumulative exposure, as metals become incorporated into growing hair strands. Hair analysis can provide a broader view of past exposure, but it is not considered effective for detecting recent or acute toxicity. Proper sample collection and testing through a certified laboratory are essential for reliable results.

Residents concerned about exposure should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate testing method based on their symptoms and potential exposure history.

Livestock Safety Measures

Farmers should test livestock for heavy metal exposure through hair or feather analysis and ensure milk from dairy farms is screened for contaminants to prevent toxins from entering the food supply. Clean water sources are crucial, requiring well testing and careful monitoring of feed to prevent contamination. Grazing areas can be inspected for potential toxins that could harm livestock, and farmers must watch for health issues such as weight loss or respiratory distress.

• Cows and horses: hair analysis is the most reliable method for assessing heavy metal exposure, using mane or tail hair for testing. This provides insights into long-term contamination.
• Sheep and goats: fleece and hair testing can indicate heavy metal exposure from feed, water, and the environment. Wool composition reflects exposure levels, making it a useful monitoring tool.
• Chickens: feathers can be analyzed for metal pollution, providing a non-invasive way to assess environmental contamination affecting poultry.
• Milk and eggs: milk from dairy cattle and eggs from poultry can be tested for heavy metal contamination. Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) is recommended for egg testing, while specialized dairy chemistry labs assess milk quality.

Regular monitoring and testing help protect both livestock and consumers from the harmful effects of heavy metal exposure.

Environmental Sampling for Contaminants

In addition to personal and livestock exposure testing, environmental wipe sampling can help determine the presence of hazardous substances in homes, workplaces, and other areas that may have been affected by the fire. Laboratory-providing sampling kits can be used to collect samples from floors, windowsills, and other surfaces where hazardous particles may have settled. These samples can help determine the presence of heavy metals and other harmful substances released during the fire, providing valuable information for residents and businesses evaluating their risks. 

It is essential to follow the proper sample collection, labeling, and chain-of-custody procedures to ensure accurate results and maintain the integrity of the testing process. 

Call Singleton Schreiber Today

If you’ve been affected by the Moss Landing battery fire, you may have legal options to seek compensation for damages or health concerns. Contact the environmental attorneys at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Call us at (831) 777-2040 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today with a free consultation.