MOSS LANDING, Calif. — A battery fire broke out at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility on September 18, 2026, marking the second major blaze at the installation in less than two years. Fire crews responded promptly, and the incident was contained without reported injuries.
The facility, located near the coastal town of Moss Landing, houses large-scale lithium‑ion battery units used for grid storage. The fire reignited the same storage installation that experienced a massive blaze in 2024, an event that forced the evacuation of approximately 1,200 residents from nearby neighborhoods and smoldered for several days before being fully extinguished.
Authorities have not released details on the cause of the current fire, but they confirmed that emergency responders were on scene within minutes of the alarm. The fire was reported to be under control by late afternoon, and power to the surrounding area remained stable throughout the incident.
Local officials noted that the 2024 fire, which occurred near Santa Cruz, led to a prolonged evacuation and highlighted the challenges of managing large battery systems in densely populated regions. The repeat incident at Moss Landing has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols at energy storage sites across California.
The California Public Utilities Commission has been monitoring the situation, and representatives indicated that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the factors contributing to the flare‑up. No further evacuations were ordered during the September 18 event, and residents reported hearing sirens and seeing smoke but were not instructed to leave their homes.
The Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility remains a critical component of the state's renewable energy infrastructure, providing backup power and grid stability. Officials emphasized that the facility will undergo a safety review before resuming full operation, and they assured the public that steps are being taken to prevent future incidents.