• Authorities are aware of at least 50 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries following Hurricane Helene.
  • Electric vehicle owners are encouraged to leave all windows and doors open to allow gases to escape from their vehicles.
  • Officials also say electric vehicle owners should disconnect the 12-volt batteries in their cars.

Florida State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis described electric vehicles impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton as “ticking time bombs” due to the risk of them catching fire after being exposed to salt water.

Patronis issued an important warning to owners of all vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries following Hurricane Helene, just days before Hurricane Milton hit. He revealed that after Helene, authorities were alerted to almost 50 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Of these, 11 of these fires involved EVs.

Read: Tesla catches fire after Hurricane Helene floods garage

“Floridians who live on the coast and own electric vehicles are at risk of those electric vehicles being flooded by saltwater storms, posing a dangerous fire threat to Florida families and their homes,” he said. “If you have one of these vehicles, including cars, scooters, hoverboards, golf carts or children’s toys that have been compromised by flooding, unplug the vehicle or device and safely move it away from your home or apartment, into a space open and clean. .”

Owners of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles have also been warned about potential fire risks. Patronis also urged electric vehicle manufacturers to inform customers in storm areas to relocate their vehicles and provided several tips for owners of lithium-ion cars and devices. For example, local residents were urged to leave all windows and/or doors open to allow any potentially flammable gases to escape from the passenger compartment.

Additionally, owners were encouraged to remove their vehicles and unplug them. Owners would also be wise to disconnect the vehicle’s 12-volt battery and avoid any contact with the high-voltage battery “if a vehicle shows signs of a damaged or overheated HV battery.”

“As I have stated before, these compromised vehicles and devices are ticking time bombs, and my office will continue to coordinate with federal, state and local authorities to ensure that consumers and first responders are aware of fire risks in the wake of Hurricane Milton.” , added the fire chief.

Florida Fire Chief Says Electric Vehicles Caught in Hurricane Floods Are “Time Bombs”