Hurricane Helene has devastated parts of the southeastern United States with catastrophic flooding since making landfall last week. And after flooding entered a homeowner's garage in Florida, a Tesla caught fire and was seen on video engulfed in flames.
Authorities in Pinellas County posted the footage on Facebook over the weekend as a public service announcement to remind displaced residents that electric vehicles could catch fire if submerged in salt water. The video shows smoke coming out of the bottom of the Tesla, which was sitting in a few meters of water in the crowded garage.
Suddenly it flashes and flames shoot out from the bottom of the vehicle, eventually engulfing it as the garage fills with smoke. It is not clear what happened to the house and the extent of the damage.
In the post, fire officials outlined some dos and don'ts for residents who own electric vehicles when they return to their homes. Owners are advised not to charge, drive or store electric vehicles or electric bicycles at home or in a garage. Instead, keep the bike or vehicles 50 feet away from any other combustible material. Owners were also advised to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for inspection.
By Monday morning, more than 100 people had died in the storm and millions were without power in six states. Electric vehicle fires during the cleanup are just one of the many safety hazards residents will face in the coming days and weeks.