Evacuation orders lifted in Parkfield Tesla battery fire at California Solar Flats
PARKFIELD, Calif. (KION) - Evacuation orders have now been lifted in the Parkfield Tesla battery fire, according to Monterey County Sheriff's Office Commander Andy Rosas.
According to Rosas, the battery energy storage site is confirmed to be owned by Tesla and is located at the California Solar Flats property in Parkfield.
The lithium-ion battery fire began burning around 11:10 a.m. with CAL FIRE responding to the report as a vegetation fire.
Two outdoor 200-square-foot racks of lithium batteries caught fire with a full response from CAL FIRE BEU and Salinas Hazardous Response.
Five residences were evacuated as a result of the fire with Tesla Field Services Response Team representatives arriving on scene. The team determined there was no immediate threat to the public.
The County of Monterey released a statement on the matter:
We are aware of a fire involving an energy storage system southeast of Parkfield. CalFire is on the scene and is the lead response agency at this time. Law enforcement, hazmat teams, and additional resources are en route. We are monitoring the situation with our partners and will continue to share relevant information as it becomes available.
According to CAL FIRE, there is potential for the fire to get into other racks, with CAL FIRE and others monitoring the area.
Like with the Moss Landing Battery Facility earlier this year, the fire needs to burn out as water could cause the potential re-ignition hence that need to monitor.
We know those battery racks were indoor, rather than outdoor.
Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for a two-mile radius of Parkfield, which has a population of 18 people.
Two residences and two businesses are currently affected by the evacuation order.
Original Article
Monterey County Sheriff's Office has issued an evacuation warning within a two-mile radius of the Parkfield Solar Plant.
Monterey County Sheriff's Office said in the following press release:
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Order effective immediately and until further notice due to a lithium-ion battery fire for areas Southeast of Parkfield within a 2-mile radius of the Parkfield Solar Plant at 92000 Block of Turkey Flat Rd.
Public safety officials are monitoring the fire, and Fire personnel remain on-site and are actively monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.
