Monterey County sent out an emergency alert system warning Thursday evening to say the North County Fire Department is responding to a fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Central California and some areas are under evacuation orders.

The Moss County Sheriff’s Office issued emergency evacuation orders due to a fire at the Vistra power plant in the areas of Moss Landing South of the Elkhorn Slough, North of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, as well as West of Castroville Blvd and ElkHorn Road.

The severity of the fire is unknown at this time but is causing authorities to close Highway 1 and to alert those in the Moss Landing area behind the plant to close off their homes, according to Monterey County officials.

Monterey County then issued emergency evacuation orders due to a fire at the Vistra power plant for areas of Moss Landing South of the Elkhorn Slough, North of Molera Rd and Monterey Dunes Way, and West of Castroville Blvd and ElkHorn Road to the ocean. (Monterey County Sheriff)

A temporary evacuation center has been set up at the Castroville Recreation Center (located at 11261 Crane St., Castroville) for evacuees in need of assistance. 

The cause of the fire has not been determined and will be investigated once the fire has been put out.