Florida Officials Warn of Fire Risks from Electric Vehicles as Hurricane Milton Approaches

As Hurricane Milton intensifies, Florida officials are issuing a stern warning to residents about a lesser-known danger associated with the powerful storm: electric vehicles (EVs) and other devices containing lithium-ion batteries could ignite after exposure to saltwater. Florida fire marshal and chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis released a statement on Monday cautioning residents and first responders of an “alarming fire hazard” tied to lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles, including electric, hybrid, and fuel cell models.

The National Hurricane Center has classified Hurricane Milton as a formidable Category 4 storm, expected to make landfall along Florida’s central west coast late Wednesday or early Thursday. With storm surges and widespread flooding anticipated, Patronis is urging EV owners to take precautions to avoid potential fires that can result from lithium-ion batteries reacting with saltwater.

“Relocate your EVs to higher ground where flooding risk is minimized,” Patronis advised. “After the storm, any EV that’s been submerged should be moved away from homes to prevent fire hazards.”

This warning follows a troubling pattern observed in past storms. After Hurricane Helene, Florida officials reported 48 lithium-ion battery fires caused by floodwaters, 11 of which involved electric vehicles. Firefighters in Palm Harbor also documented incidents where submerged Teslas combusted upon exposure to saltwater, reinforcing concerns about the safety of these high-powered batteries under extreme conditions.

The dangers arise from the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries, which contain flammable electrolyte fluids. These batteries, common not only in electric cars but also in products like e-scooters, hoverboards, golf carts, and certain toys, can ignite or even explode if damaged by water. According to a CBS News Innovation Lab report, EVs and plug-in hybrids have around 1,000 times more battery cells than e-bikes, making them especially vulnerable to catastrophic failure.

As Milton’s storm surge threatens coastal areas, the fire marshal’s office emphasizes that any EV or battery-powered device exposed to floodwaters, especially saltwater, poses a potential fire risk. The recommendation is clear: if your electric vehicle has been flooded, do not attempt to charge it, and relocate it to a safe area as soon as possible to prevent potential hazards.

With Hurricane Milton bearing down, Florida’s fire marshal is urging everyone to take heed. While the immediate threats of wind and rain are often top of mind, the hidden dangers of lithium-ion batteries in flooded conditions add a new layer of risk that residents should prepare for. For those in affected areas, following these guidelines could be a critical step in staying safe during and after the storm.