Tesla Catches Fire in Flooded Florida Garage After Hurricane Helene: Officials Issue Warning
A Tesla caught fire in a flooded garage in Florida following Hurricane Helene, as depicted in alarming video footage released by local officials, New York Post reports.
The incident, which unfolded in a garage inundated with saltwater, showcases the fire igniting beneath the electric vehicle and rapidly engulfing it in less than a minute, with thick smoke quickly filling the room.
Pinellas County officials shared the video on Saturday to raise awareness among electric vehicle (EV) owners in the wake of the hurricane’s impact on Florida and other southeastern states, including North Carolina. The storm has already resulted in at least 91 fatalities, a number that is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.
Hurricane Helene struck Florida as a Category 4 storm, bringing winds of up to 140 mph and causing extensive damage across Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. Officials are currently working to provide water and supplies to affected areas amid ongoing flood conditions, with more than 2 million customers still without power as of Sunday night.
In light of the incident, Pinellas County officials urged EV and electric bike owners to take preventive measures against potential hazards posed by storm surges and saltwater. They recommended not parking electric vehicles inside homes or garages, maintaining a distance of at least 50 feet from any combustible materials, and having the vehicles inspected at a dealership before returning them to the road.
President Biden described the storm’s impact as “stunning” and pledged federal support to assist the recovery efforts in the affected states.
