Board of Supervisors receives unanswered questions on Moss Landing fire response

Concerns over air quality and safety protocols took center stage at the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 3, 2025, as community members raised urgent questions regarding the recent Moss Landing fire and the subsequent lifting of evacuation orders.

A local resident expressed frustration over unanswered inquiries sent to county officials, highlighting critical gaps in communication and transparency. Key questions included the rationale behind lifting the evacuation order, the evaluation process for this decision, and discrepancies in air quality monitoring equipment used during the incident. The resident pointed out that the IMAX soot plume model used was significantly different from those in emergency action plans, raising concerns about the accuracy of data guiding public safety decisions.

Specific queries were directed at the county's handling of hazardous materials, particularly regarding hydrofluoric acid (HF) monitoring. The resident questioned why the county opted for equipment with a higher limit of detection than the established safety standards, and why air monitoring equipment was dismantled while hazardous conditions persisted. The lack of timely public information about HF detection failures was also a point of contention.

The meeting underscored the community's demand for accountability and clarity from local authorities, particularly in the wake of environmental emergencies. As discussions continue, residents are eager for answers that could impact future safety measures and emergency response protocols in Monterey County.