Tesla catches fire after Hurricane Helene flooding

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is warning electric vehicle owners to park on higher ground as Hurricane Helen approaches, and it’s easy to see why after watching a video posted by Pinellas County. In it, you can see a Tesla parked in a garage, apparently filled with smoke.

After a few seconds, a flash of light can be seen underneath the electric crossover. When the lights came on, flames could be seen, indicating the garage was flooded. The fire quickly destroyed the vehicle and filled the area with smoke, making it increasingly difficult to see.

More: DeSantis warns Florida electric car drivers to park on higher ground during Hurricane Helene

Pinellas County released no further details about the incident but warned returning residents that electric vehicles submerged in salt water could catch fire. They continue to advise EV owners not to charge or store their vehicles in garages. Instead, authorities said to move them 50 feet (15 meters) away from buildings and other combustible materials. That’s easier said than done, as officials are also warning owners not to drive the electric cars until they are towed to dealers for inspection.

While it’s not something you hear every day, even Tesla warns owners about this danger. As the AP points out, Tesla’s underwater vehicle guidance encourages owners to move their electric vehicles to higher ground if “an underwater incident is predicted.” Tesla says if it’s too late and the vehicle is already submerged, move it away from the building and don’t drive the vehicle until it’s been inspected. The automaker also advises owners to “treat your vehicle as if it had been involved in an accident and contact your insurance company.”

Florida officials’ concern isn’t surprising, as the Sunshine State reportedly had more than 238,500 electric vehicles as of last June. The state is also said to be the second largest electric vehicle market in the United States after California.