Electric Pickup Catches On Fire While Charging, House And 2 Other Vehicles Also Damaged

JOPPA, MD — A 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, which is an all-electric vehicle, caught on fire while parked in the driveway of a Joppa home late Tuesday night. The fire spread to the home nearby.

The fire broke out around 11:09 p.m. Oct. 8 at the home at 315 Watertons Way, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. The homeowners were getting ready for bed when they heard a noise and discovered the pickup was on fire. One owner suffered burns to his right hand while attempting to disconnect the vehicle from its charging cable. He then used a garden hose and attempted to extinguish the fire, officials said.

The fire spread into the garage, further damaging two vehicles inside, which have been declared a total loss by the state fire marshal's office. The home also sustained heat, smoke, soot and water damage. The family of four has been displaced, the state fire marshal's office reported.

Approximately 30 firefighters with the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company were on the scene and took 15 minutes to gain control of the fire. The Harford County Special Operations Hazmat Team responded to the scene to help with disposing of the battery.

The state fire marshal's office has estimated loss of contents and structure at $250,000. Officials have determined that the fire originated in the area of the pickup's battery pack and are continuing to investigate the incident.