Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc on parts of the southeastern United States with catastrophic flooding since making landfall last week. After floodwaters breached a homeowner's garage in Florida, a Tesla caught fire and was seen engulfed in flames on video.
Officials in Pinellas County posted the footage as a public service announcement on Facebook over the weekend to remind displaced residents that electric vehicles can catch fire when submerged in salt water. In the video, smoke can be seen coming out from under the Tesla, which is standing in several meters of water in the cluttered garage.
Suddenly there is a flash of light and flames begin to emerge from under the vehicle, eventually engulfing it as the garage fills with smoke. It is not yet known what happened to the house and how much damage was done.
In the post, fire officials outlined some of the dos and don'ts that electric vehicle-owning residents should do when returning home. Owners are advised not to charge, drive or store EVs or E-bikes at home or in the garage. Instead, bikes or vehicles should be moved 15 feet away from other flammable materials. He also advised vehicle owners to have the vehicle towed to a dealership for inspection.
As of Monday morning, the storm had killed more than 100 people in six states and left millions without power. As cleanup efforts continue, electric vehicle fires are just one of the many safety hazards residents will face in the coming days and weeks.