Electric Vehicles With Damaged Batteries Burn Down Florida Homes After Flood

State officials say EV batteries experiencing catastrophic ’thermal runaway' started at least six home fires.

Workers clear the roads of sand and debris after Hurricane Helene hit the area with high surge waters, in Treasure Island, Fla., on Sept. 28, 2024. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

At least six homes caught fire in Florida after floodwaters from Hurricane Helene submerged electric vehicle (EV) batteries and ignited them, state Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said on Oct. 2.

During a press conference with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Madeira Beach, Florida, Patronis said state officials have seen 16 fires so far from EVs in the Tampa Bay area alone, including Pinellas County.