Pinellas County, FL - A Tesla was caught on a home security camera bursting into flames after its battery allegedly ignited from saltwater exposure during Hurricane Helene.
Officials are warning residents to exercise caution with electric vehicles (EVs) after the Tesla caught fire in a Pinellas County garage during Hurricane Helene.
A home security camera captured footage of the vehicle's underside igniting possibly due to saltwater exposure, quickly engulfing the car in flames and filling the garage with smoke.
Authorities have advised residents not to charge, drive, or store electric vehicles or electric bikes in homes or garages, and to keep them at least 50 feet away from other combustible materials.
Saltwater intrusion during storms can lead to fires when power is restored, causing surges that spark flames.
Lithium-ion batteries in EVs are particularly vulnerable to fire when exposed to saltwater.
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm, left behind historic storm surges across Pinellas County.
The surge, ranging from 6 to 15 feet, flooded coastal neighborhoods.