One of the biggest clean-up challenges from the Southern California fires is lithium-ion batteries, which can explode after damage or exposure to heat.

When a massive fire erupted at one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery storage facilities in Monterey County, it didn't just send a toxic plume of smoke over nearby communities — it cast a shadow of doubt over the future of California's clean energy industry.

Scientists have linked a lithium battery plant fire in California earlier this month to a surge in heavy metals found in nearby soil.

A fire at the world’s largest battery storage plant in Northern California is smoldering after sending plumes of toxic smoke into the atmosphere.

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