Summary
- Hurricane Helene caused flooding in Tampa with over 6 feet of storm surge, leading to a destructive house fire likely sparked by an electric vehicle
- Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speculated that the fire was caused by the electric vehicle’s lithium-ion battery exploding due to contact with floodwater
- Other electric scooters in the area also exploded from being submerged in floodwaters
- Spin, one of Tampa’s scooter partners, stated that their scooters had been disabled and secured before the storm, with no incidents reported during the storm
- Lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles pose a fire hazard when exposed to floodwaters, as seen in previous instances of electric cars catching fire after flooding with saltwater.
Article
Following the inundation of Tampa by Hurricane Helene, which brought over 6 feet of storm surge, the city faced numerous challenges, including house fires that were difficult for firefighters to reach due to the flooding. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor suspected that floodwater may have been the cause of at least one destructive blaze, with speculation that an electric vehicle inside a garage caught fire. The mayor noted that water and lithium-ion batteries do not mix well, causing them to explode, potentially leading to the destruction of a home in the Davis Islands neighborhood. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident, but it highlighted the dangers of electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries in flooded areas.
In addition to the house fire, there were reports of electric scooters also catching fire after being submerged in floodwaters, further emphasizing the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and water exposure. Mayor Castor expressed concerns about these incidents and urged caution when dealing with such technologies in flooded areas. Despite the warnings, some scooter companies, such as Lime and Spin, assured that they had disabled and secured their fleets before the storm arrived, with no battery-related incidents reported during the recent storm. Spin’s spokesperson emphasized that their batteries are designed for safety and durability, meeting the highest standards in the shared mobility industry to prevent exposure to the elements.
The dangers of lithium-ion batteries and floods have been known for some time, with incidents of electric vehicles catching fire after being inundated with saltwater during previous hurricanes. Rob Herrin, public safety information chief for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, highlighted the risks associated with these batteries, noting the potential for energy release and heat generation in a small package. The Palm Harbor Fire Rescue in Florida issued a warning after fires were reported following Hurricane Idalia, advising owners of hybrid or electric vehicles that have come into contact with saltwater to relocate their vehicles to higher ground to prevent combustion in the batteries.
The information used in the report was gathered from Mayor Jane Castor’s press conference, as well as previous reporting by FOX 13 News, including interviews with Florida firefighters and emergency managers. The incidents in Tampa serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries in flooded areas and highlight the importance of proper precautions and safety measures in such situations. As more drivers opt for electric vehicles over traditional gasoline-powered cars, the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and water exposure become more prevalent, underscoring the need for awareness and preparedness in dealing with these technologies in emergency situations.
Read the full article here
