Florida Fire Chief Says EVs Caught In Hurricane Floods Are “Ticking Time Bombs”

Florida’s state fire marshall Jimmy Patronis has described electric vehicles impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton as “ticking time bombs” due to the risks of them catching fire after being exposed to salt water.

Patronis issued an important warning to owners of all vehicles equipped with lithium-ion battery packages in the wake of Hurricane Helene, just days before Hurricane Milton hit. He revealed that after Helene, authorities had been alerted to nearly 50 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Of these, 11 of these fires involved EVs.

Read: Tesla Bursts Into Flames After Hurricane Helene Floods Garage

“Floridians living on the coastline who own EVs are at risk of those EVs being inundated with saltwater storm surge which presents a dangerous fire threat to Florida families and their homes,” he said. “If you have one of these vehicles including cars, scooters, hover boards, golf carts or children’s toys that have been compromised by flooding, please unplug the vehicle or device, and move it safely away from your home or apartment into a clear open space.”

Owners of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles were also warned of potential fire hazards. Patronis also called on manufacturers of EVs to inform customers in storm surge areas to relocate their vehicles and provided several tips to owners of lithium-ion-powered cars and devices. For example, locals have been urged to leave all windows and/or doors open to allow any potentially flammable gases to vent from the passenger compartment.

Additionally, owners have been encouraged to move vehicles outside and to unplug them. Owners would also be wise to disconnect a vehicle’s 12-volt battery and avoid all contact with the high-voltage battery “if a vehicle is showing signs of a damaged or overheating HV battery.”

“As I’ve stated before, these compromised vehicles and devices are ticking time bombs, and my office will continue to coordinate with federal, state, and local officials to ensure consumers and first responders are aware of these fire hazards following Hurricane Milton,” the fire chief added.