The massive fire at one of the world's largest lithium battery storage plants in Northern California has shaken a local community worried about possible long-term impacts and brought scrutiny to the emerging industry's safety practices.

The blaze broke out late Thursday at the Monterey County plant that stores and sells power to Pacific Gas & Electric.

Hundreds of people were ordered to evacuate and part of Highway 1 in Northern California was closed after a major fire erupted at one of the world’s largest battery storage plants.

A fire broke out at one of the world's largest lithium battery storage facilities in Monterey County, California, forcing evacuation orders and closing a portion of coastal Highway 1.

Hundreds of people have been ordered to evacuate due to a major fire at one of the world’s largest battery storage plants in Northern California.