VIRAL VIDEO: Tesla Model S Catches Fire in California, Highlights Burning Issues for EVs

One Tesla Model S has spontaneously burst into flames and kept reigniting as northern California firefighters used 4,500 gallons of water to put out the fire, according to the Sacramento Fire District.

Fox News reported that the Tesla vehicle had sustained major damage in a crash three weeks before and was scheduled to be dismantled when it caught fire.

The fire department said that the vehicle was "fully involved with fire" on arrival and took a significant amount of time, water, and thinking outside the box to put out the fire.

The department said it was Metro Fire's first Tesla blaze. It added that the crews had extinguished the fire, but the car kept reigniting and off-gassing the battery compartment.

The fire department said that the Tesla was moved on its side to gain access to the battery compartment underneath.

Tesla Model S Fire

The firefighters and yard workers tried to use a tractor to create a pit in the dirt, managed to get the car inside, and then filled the hole with water.

Capt. Parker Wilbourn, a fire department spokesman, told the Washington Post that it allowed the firefighters to submerge the battery pack and ultimately extinguish the fire, which burned hotter than 3,000 degrees.

Wilbourn said that it took more than an hour and 4,500 gallons of water for the dozens of firefighters to put out the fire. He noted it was the same amount of water used to put out a building fire.

Wilbourn said the department has yet to determine why the electric vehicle "spontaneously caught fire," adding that the department is preparing to fight more Tesla blazes, especially as an increasing number of electric vehicle owners install battery charging equipment in their garages.

Wilbourn said that it is a "whole new animal for the fire service," adding that they are still trying to wrap around their heads on electric vehicle fires.

Tesla Fire

Tesla had its share of bad publicity after three highly-publicized vehicle fires in 2013. Battery fires are rare, but they happen, with Chevrolet having recalled 51,000 Bolt EVs after a few fires appear to have been caused by defective battery modules, according to a Charge Devs report.

In April 2021, two passengers died in Woodlands, Texas after a driverless Tesla veered off the road, struck a tree, and burst into flames. The battery ignited and burned for four hours, which required 30,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire.

Another Tesla Model S in Frisco, Texas shot out flames after its owner pulled off the road upon hearing sounds coming from the car.

Tesla Model S guide for first responders noted that extinguishing a Tesla battery can take as long as 24 hours and about 3,000 to 8,000 gallons of water "applied directly to the battery."

Wilbourn, however, argued that the amount of water needed to put out battery fires could be nearer to 20,000 or 30,000 gallons.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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