NEWS HEADLINES: Hidden Threat Sparks House Fires Days After Hurricane

Hurricane Helene’s aftermath in Florida has sparked a fiery crisis as electric vehicle (EV) batteries ignite due to saltwater exposure, raising serious concerns about the safety and practicality of EVs in flood-prone areas.

At a Glance

• Numerous fires reported in Florida due to EVs exposed to saltwater during Hurricane Helene
• Saltwater exposure to lithium-ion batteries in vehicles leads to dangerous short circuits and fires
• Florida officials warn residents to move compromised EVs at least 50 feet away from homes
• EV fires are harder to extinguish than gas vehicle fires, posing greater risks to property and safety
• Florida has the second-highest number of registered EVs in the U.S., amplifying the potential danger

A Shocking Wake-Up Call for EV Owners

The liberal push for electric vehicles has hit a major snag in Florida as Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters triggered a wave of EV battery fires. This disaster serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen consequences of hastily embracing “green” technology without fully considering its vulnerabilities. The Sunshine State, ironically second only to California in EV adoption, now faces a unique threat that traditional gas-powered vehicles don’t pose.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis didn’t mince words about the gravity of the situation. “We saw a number of fires associated with EVs from Hurricane Ian,” Patronis 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.”

The Science Behind the Flames

The culprit behind these dangerous fires is a phenomenon called “thermal runaway.” When saltwater, an excellent conductor of electricity, breaches the protective barriers of lithium-ion batteries, it creates a short circuit. This triggers a chain reaction, rapidly heating the battery cells and potentially leading to explosive fires that are notoriously difficult to extinguish.

“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,” said Barth, who is chief of the special investigations branch of the NTSB’s office of highway safety.

What’s particularly alarming is that these fires can occur long after the initial flooding, catching owners off guard when they least expect it. This delayed reaction poses a significant risk to homeowners who may have already returned to their properties, thinking the danger has passed.

A Costly Lesson for EV Enthusiasts

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been a harsh reality check for EV owners and businesses relying on electric transportation. David Trutschel, owner of Daytona Fun Rentals, learned this lesson the hard way during Hurricane Ian, suffering $20,000 in damages when his electric bikes caught fire due to saltwater exposure.

“We all got flooded in,” said Trutschel. “And then, when we got flooded, we came back to check on the shop as the water was getting through the cameras, and we noticed the fire started between the batteries … caught fire from the saltwater.”

Trutschel’s experience highlights the hidden costs and risks associated with electric vehicles in coastal areas prone to flooding. It’s a sobering reminder that the push for “green” technology often comes with unforeseen consequences that can hit small business owners and families the hardest.

Safety Measures and Conservative Common Sense

In response to this emerging threat, Florida officials have issued urgent warnings to EV owners. Pinellas County authorities advised, “If you have an electric vehicle or golf cart, and it was exposed to salt water, it needs to be moved away from your home by at least 50 feet. These vehicles may catch fire in the coming days.” This precautionary measure underscores the potential for delayed ignition, a risk that doesn’t exist with traditional vehicles.

“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, demonstrating foresight, advised EV owners to move their vehicles to higher ground before Hurricane Helene hit. This common-sense approach highlights the importance of preparedness and the need to consider the limitations of new technologies in the face of natural disasters.

As Florida grapples with this unexpected consequence of embracing electric vehicles, it’s clear that a more cautious approach to adopting new technologies is warranted. The fires sparked by Hurricane Helene serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes, traditional solutions might be the most reliable in the face of nature’s fury.

For coastal communities, the rush to go electric may need to be tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism and a renewed appreciation for tried-and-true transportation methods that don’t pose such unique risks in flood-prone areas.