A fire at the world’s largest battery storage plant in Northern California smoldered Friday after sending plumes of toxic smoke into the atmosphere, leading to the evacuation of up to 1,500 people. The blaze also shook up the young battery storage industry.

A fire at the world’s largest battery storage plant in Northern California smoldered Friday after sending plumes of toxic smoke into the atmosphere, leading to the evacuation of up to 1,500 people.

A large fire erupted on January 16 at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Northern California, leading to evacuations and the closure of part of Highway 1.

Meteorologists said there was a chance the winds would be as severe as those that fueled the Palisades and Eaton fires, but that different locations would likely be affected.

Wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds have devastated Southern California, destroying thousands of homes and causing 27 deaths. The fires, affecting urban areas and the Olympic preparation, are worsened by climate change and urban expansion.