Flooding Causes Tesla Electric Vehicle To Catch Fire In Dunedin

DUNEDIN, FL — Palm Harbor Fire Rescue is warning residents who own a hybrid or electric vehicle to keep their vehicle out of floodwaters after a Tesla electric vehicle caught fire just after 3 p.m. Wednesday in Dunedin.

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Brent Breuer said saltwater intrusion from flooding can cause the vehicle's lithium-ion batteries to ignite.

"If you own a hybrid or electric vehicle that has come into contact with saltwater due to recent flooding within the last 24 hours, it is crucial to relocate the vehicle from your garage without delay," he said. "Saltwater exposure can trigger combustion in lithium-ion batteries."

He said, if possible, EV owners should transfer their vehicles to higher ground. This includes golf carts and electric scooters.

"Don’t drive these through water," he said. "PHFR crews have seen numerous residents out in golf carts and children on scooters riding through water."