Rescue workers warn residents to move electric vehicles to higher ground

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Storm surge from Hurricane Helene showed us what can happen when EV batteries come in contact with salt water.

The battery in a Tesla, parked in a home garage in Pinellas County, burst and quickly engulfed in flames.

Across the bay on Davis Islands, officials said another EV battery caught fire. Because of flooding on the island, it was hours before fire rescue could get to the house.

Danny Alvarez, spokesman for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, said EV owners need to take precautions ahead of Hurricane Milton.

“If this is a situation you might find yourself in with the flood waters, with the surge, please get your vehicles somewhere where it’s safe and it won’t come into contact with the salt water,” Alvarez said.

Saltwater poses a serious risk to electric vehicle batteries because salt conducts electricity.

The City of Tampa opened its parking garages so owners of electric vehicles could park safely, for free.

“We had instances during Helene where we couldn’t access the car fire, potentially exposing the home so it’s just a bad combination, we’re trying to avoid that. It’s an avoidable incident,” Alvarez said.

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