A fire broke out in a Florida home following Hurricane Helene, sparked by a Tesla that ignited in the garage after it allegedly came into contact with saltwater, according to a report from Reuters.

On Sunday night, there were nine occupants in the Siesta Key residence when the Tesla Model X Plaid caught fire, as reported by KOLOTV. Siesta Key, a barrier island, is situated roughly 68 miles south of Tampa.

The homeowners informed Reuters that they were asleep when two of their grandchildren heard unusual popping sounds and woke up the adults to investigate. Rushing downstairs, they were stunned to see the car ablaze, prompting them to escape into the street. The fire spread to engulf the vehicle and garage in less than a minute, as noted by Reuters.

“I’m just grateful we’re safe, but after 38 years of marriage, everything we had invested in that house is gone,” homeowner Lisa Hodges told Reuters. “We built it for our family, and now it’s all lost.”

Officials are still investigating the fire’s cause, but they suspect that the Tesla’s battery may have exploded and caught fire due to contact with saltwater that flooded the region following Hurricane Helene, according to Reuters.

Battery Safety Concerns

Local officials have labeled batteries that have been exposed to saltwater as a “fire hazard” and cautioned the public to exercise caution and keep such vehicles away from homes.

“If your electric vehicle comes into contact with floodwater, do not charge or start it,” warned the Dunedin Fire Rescue on X (formerly Twitter). “Prioritize safety and allow professionals to check it first.”

Before Hurricane Helene made its landfall Thursday evening, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had urged electric vehicle owners to relocate to higher ground due to the fire risk.

“If you own an EV, you must move it to higher ground,” DeSantis stated during a press conference on Wednesday. “Be wary of flooding, as it can lead to fires.”

During Hurricane Idalia in 2023, which also struck Florida’s Big Bend region, two electric vehicles ignited due to flooding near Tampa. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, there were 21 reported EV-related fires, according to the Herald-Tribune, part of the YSL News NETWORK.

Steps to Take if Your Vehicle is Submerged

If your vehicle stalls in rising floodwaters, do not try restarting it, as this could worsen damage to the engine and other parts.

Instead, AAA advises to exit the vehicle immediately and relocate to higher or safer ground.

Tesla recommends the following steps if your vehicle becomes submerged:

1. Reach out to your insurance provider.
2. Avoid operating the vehicle until it has been examined by a certified service center.
3. Tow or relocate the vehicle at least 50 feet away from structures, vehicles, and any flammable materials.