L A Wildfires: Fire Erupts at Central California Power Plant, Prompt Evacuations, Highway Closure

A fire broke out at the Vistra power plant in Moss Landing, Central California, on Thursday evening, prompting emergency evacuation orders and the shutdown of Highway 1.

According to Fox News, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for areas south of the Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and ElkHorn Road to the ocean.

The North County Fire Department is responding to the fire, and authorities have closed Highway 1. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to close windows and doors and shut off air systems until further notice.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the NCFPD urges residents in Zones MRY-B047 and MRY-B053 to close windows and doors and shut off air systems until further notice. Please avoid the area to allow for emergency vehicles to respond,” the North County Fire Department stated.

A temporary evacuation centre has been set up at the Castroville Recreation Center, located at 11261 Crane St., Castroville, for evacuees needing assistance.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and will be investigated once the fire has been extinguished. There is currently no estimated time for reopening, and northbound traffic is being diverted at Highway 183, while southbound traffic is being diverted to Struve Road.