Electric Car Fire Response

We’re publishing this article from the Pine Level Alabama Fire Department on their response to a Tesla EV fire.

By Pine Level Fire Department

At 11:14 pm on December 25th, your Pine Level Firefighters were dispatched to a traffic accident with a reported vehicle fire.

When units first responded, Autauga Co E-911 advised our units that an electric vehicle was involved.

Assistance was immediately requested from Marbury, Booth, Independence, White City, Old Kingston, and Verbena Fire Departments, along with Haynes Ambulance, ALEA, Autauga Co EMA, ALDOT, and Autauga Co Sheriff’s Office. (see the explanation why below). When the first engine arrived, they found a Tesla Model Y automobile fully involved in fire. ALEA had closed the interstate. It was determined the driver of the vehicle was uninjured and had escaped the vehicle before the fire department arrived.

Two hose lines were deployed, and due to the thermal runaway of the vehicle’s batteries, this fire required over 36,000 gallons of water before the fire was brought under control in a little over an hour. A total of 3-Engines, 2-Rescues, 1-Ambulance, 4-Water Tankers, 1-Squad, 1-Brush Truck, and 3-Command Vehicles ultimately responded to this fire.

This was a first for Autauga County. Electric vehicle fires are unusual and present unique challenges and dangers to firefighters. These vehicles can reignite hours or days after they are first extinguished. They burn at temperatures exceeding 2500 degrees C. The smoke from these burning electric cars produces hydrogen flouride and hydrogen chloride gases – both of which are toxic to breath and require firefighters to wear breathing apparatus.

We’re grateful to all of the agencies (all of whom are staffed by professional volunteers) who left their families late on Christmas Day to support and protect their communities!

The driver of the vehicle was taken into police custody by ALEA. Please direct media inquiries to ALEA.