Why Are Post-Hurricane Helene Fires Rising in Florida Homes?

House engulfed in flames with firefighters present.

Florida faces a new threat as electric vehicle fires erupt in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s saltwater flooding.

At a Glance

Numerous fires reported in Florida due to electric vehicles exposed to saltwater during Hurricane Helene
Saltwater exposure to lithium-ion batteries in vehicles leads to dangerous short circuits and potential fires
Florida officials warn residents to move electric vehicles exposed to saltwater at least 50 feet away from homes
Electric car fires are harder to extinguish than gas vehicle fires due to lithium-ion batteries
Florida has the second-highest number of registered electric vehicles in the U.S., with over 250,000

Saltwater Sparks EV Infernos

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Florida residents are grappling with an unexpected danger: electric vehicle (EV) fires. The saltwater flooding from the hurricane has triggered a series of incidents where EVs are catching fire, posing a significant threat to homes and communities. This alarming trend has caught the attention of state officials and fire departments, who are now scrambling to address the unique challenges posed by these fires.

The Tampa Bay area, which experienced storm surges of 5-8 feet, has been particularly hard hit. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor reported multiple incidents of cars and scooters exploding after exposure to saltwater. These incidents are not isolated, as similar EV-related fires were reported during previous hurricanes, Idalia and Ian, highlighting a recurring problem in flood-prone coastal areas.

The Science Behind the Flames

The root cause of these fires lies in the interaction between saltwater and the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles. Unlike freshwater, saltwater is highly conductive and can breach the protective measures designed to prevent short circuits in EV batteries. This breach can lead to a dangerous phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” where the battery cells overheat and ignite, often resulting in fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish.

“We saw a number of fires associated with EVs from Hurricane Ian,” Patronis previously stated. “We know that the saltwater from storm surge can compromise these batteries, causing fires which cannot be easily suppressed. The best fire teams can do is keep water on the battery until the fuel burns out.”

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has been vocal about the dangers, emphasizing that these fires are not easily suppressed and can potentially lead to the destruction of homes. The state has reported at least 16 lithium-related battery fires, prompting urgent warnings to EV owners in flood-affected areas.

Safety Measures and Precautions

In response to the growing threat, local authorities have issued critical advisories to EV owners. Pinellas County warned residents to move electric vehicles exposed to saltwater at least 50 feet away from homes. This precautionary measure is crucial, as EV fires can occur long after the initial flooding due to residual salt continuing to conduct electricity within the battery system.

“Take the vehicle or the device itself more than 50 feet away from the home,” said Driscoll. “And wait several days to see what’s going to happen before charging the vehicle.”

Governor Ron DeSantis advised EV owners to move their vehicles to higher ground before Hurricane Helene made landfall. Additionally, experts recommend that owners consult their vehicle manufacturers and insurance policies for specific guidance on handling flood-exposed EVs. Tesla, for instance, advises towing submerged vehicles at least 50 feet away from structures until they can be inspected.

The Broader Impact

This issue is particularly significant for Florida, which boasts the second-highest number of registered electric vehicles in the United States, with over 250,000 on the road. The recurring nature of these incidents during hurricane seasons raises questions about the long-term viability and safety of EVs in flood-prone coastal regions.

“Where it begins to be a problem is if you have the batteries submerged in standing water. That’s where it starts to overcome the moisture seals in the battery,” Barth said.

While EV manufacturers argue that their vehicles have lower fire rates compared to traditional automobiles, the unique challenges posed by saltwater flooding are prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and design considerations for electric vehicles in coastal areas. As climate change potentially increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, addressing this issue becomes crucial for the future of electric mobility in vulnerable regions.