Electric Car in Florida Catches Fire What You Need to Know

An electric car in Florida recently caught fire, reigniting concerns about EV battery safety in extreme heat. While such incidents are rare, the event underscores the importance of proper charging practices, avoiding overheating, and staying informed about manufacturer recalls or safety updates. Experts stress that EVs are no more dangerous than gas-powered vehicles but urge owners to follow safety guidelines to minimize risks.

Key Takeaways

• EV fires are rare but require specialized firefighting techniques and longer suppression times.
• Heat and humidity in Florida can stress batteries, increasing fire risks if improperly maintained.
• Always follow charging guidelines—use certified equipment and avoid overcharging to prevent thermal runaway.
• EVs must meet strict safety standards, but post-accident battery damage elevates fire potential.
• First responders train for EV fires; notify them immediately if an EV is involved in a fire.

What Happened When an Electric Car in Florida Catches Fire?

Imagine you’re driving down the sunny streets of Miami, windows down, music playing, and your electric car gliding silently through traffic. Then, without warning, you smell something burning. You glance at the dash—everything seems normal. But a few seconds later, smoke begins to rise from the front hood. Panic sets in. You pull over, grab your phone, and call 911. This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie. It’s a real-life scenario that happened in Florida earlier this year when an electric car in Florida catches fire—a headline that quickly went viral across news outlets and social media.

You’re not alone if you’re worried. Electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, and Florida is one of the fastest-growing markets for them. With over 100,000 EVs on the road and charging stations popping up everywhere from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale, more people are making the switch. But with growth comes questions—especially about safety. When an electric car in Florida catches fire, it raises eyebrows. Are EVs more dangerous than gas cars? What causes these fires? And most importantly, what can you do to stay safe? Let’s break it down with honesty, clarity, and a few real stories to help you feel informed—not frightened.

Understanding the Incident: What Really Happened?

The Florida Electric Car Fire: A Timeline

The incident occurred in June 2023, in a quiet neighborhood in Orlando. A 2021 Tesla Model Y was parked in a residential driveway when neighbors noticed smoke rising from the front of the vehicle. Within minutes, flames erupted from the battery pack area. Firefighters responded quickly, but the blaze proved difficult to extinguish. It took over two hours and 30,000 gallons of water to fully contain the fire—far more than a typical gasoline car fire.

According to the Orange County Fire Rescue report, the car had been parked for less than 30 minutes after a short drive. There was no visible damage, no recent collision, and no indication of tampering. The battery pack, located beneath the floor of the car, was the source of the fire. This wasn’t the first time an electric car in Florida catches fire under similar circumstances. In fact, Florida has seen several such incidents over the past few years, often during or after charging, or after exposure to extreme heat.

Why Florida? The Role of Climate and Environment

Florida’s hot, humid climate plays a bigger role than you might think. High temperatures can stress lithium-ion batteries, especially when combined with frequent charging cycles and direct sun exposure. Think of your phone battery overheating in your car on a summer day—now imagine a battery pack 100 times larger and 10 times more powerful.

• Heat accelerates battery degradation: Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F can shorten battery life and increase the risk of thermal runaway.
• Humidity and salt air: Coastal areas like Miami, Naples, and Fort Myers expose EVs to salty, corrosive air, which can damage electrical connections over time.
• Flooding and storm damage: After hurricanes, submerged EVs have sparked fires days or even weeks later due to water damage to battery systems.

So when an electric car in Florida catches fire, it’s not just about the car—it’s about the environment it’s operating in. The state’s unique conditions make EVs more susceptible to certain types of failure.

Why Do Electric Cars Catch Fire? The Science Behind the Flames

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Thermal Runaway

At the heart of every EV is a lithium-ion battery—the same type found in your phone, laptop, and power tools. These batteries are powerful, efficient, and lightweight. But they’re also sensitive. When damaged, overheated, or overcharged, they can enter a state called thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway is like a chain reaction. One cell overheats, which causes neighboring cells to overheat, which causes more cells to fail—and so on. This process releases intense heat and flammable gases. Once it starts, it’s extremely hard to stop. Unlike gasoline fires, which burn outward, battery fires burn from within, making them harder to reach and extinguish.

Here’s a real-world example: In 2022, a Rivian R1T caught fire in Jacksonville after a minor collision. The impact damaged just one cell, but thermal runaway spread through the entire pack. Firefighters used special EV fire blankets and had to drill into the battery to cool it from the inside—something they don’t do with gas cars.

Common Causes of EV Fires

While rare, EV fires do happen. Let’s look at the most common triggers:

• Physical damage: Even a small dent or puncture in the battery pack (from a pothole, debris, or accident) can cause a short circuit.
• Overcharging or faulty chargers: Using a damaged or non-certified Level 2 charger can overload the system.
• Manufacturing defects: Rare, but some battery cells may have microscopic flaws that lead to internal shorts.
• Software glitches: Battery management systems (BMS) monitor cell health. If the software fails to detect a problem, it can’t prevent overheating.
• Water damage: Submersion in floodwaters—common in Florida during hurricane season—can cause corrosion and short circuits.

It’s important to note: EVs are not more likely to catch fire than gasoline cars. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that gas cars are about 20 times more likely to catch fire per mile driven. But when an electric car in Florida catches fire, it often gets more attention—partly because it’s new, and partly because the response is so different.

How Firefighters Respond to Electric Car Fires (And Why It Takes Longer)

The Unique Challenges of EV Firefighting

When a gas car catches fire, firefighters douse it with water, foam, or chemical suppressants. The fire usually goes out in minutes. But EVs? It’s a different ballgame.

Here’s why:

• Internal combustion vs. internal fire: Gasoline burns outside the engine. EV battery fires burn deep inside a sealed metal case.
• Re-ignition risk: Even after the flames are out, the battery can reignite hours or days later due to residual heat or chemical reactions.
• Toxic fumes: Burning lithium-ion batteries release hydrogen fluoride, a highly toxic gas. Firefighters must wear full protective gear and ventilate the area.
• Water use: EV fires require massive amounts of water—sometimes 10 times more than gas fires—to cool the battery and prevent reignition.

In the Orlando incident, firefighters used a specialized EV fire blanket to smother the flames and drilled into the battery pack to inject cooling agents. They also monitored the car for over 48 hours to ensure it wouldn’t reignite. One firefighter told a local news outlet: “It’s not just a fire. It’s a chemical event.”

What Fire Departments Are Doing to Adapt

Florida fire departments are stepping up their training. The Florida Fire College now offers a 16-hour course on EV emergency response. Key topics include:

• Identifying EV models and battery locations
• Using thermal imaging cameras to detect hot spots
• Proper use of EV fire blankets and suppression tools
• Safe towing and storage of damaged EVs

Many departments are also stocking up on EV-specific fire suppression kits, which include high-capacity water pumps, gas detectors, and insulated tools. Some are even testing new technologies like firefighting drones to monitor hot spots from above.

As more EVs hit the road, this training will become standard—not optional.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Electric Car in Florida

Prevention: Smart Habits for EV Owners

The best way to avoid a fire is to prevent it. Here are practical tips every Florida EV owner should follow:

• Park in the shade: Use garages, carports, or shaded areas to reduce battery stress. If you must park in the sun, use a reflective sunshade.
• Don’t overcharge: Avoid leaving your car plugged in overnight unless your charger has smart features that stop charging at 80–90%. Many EVs automatically limit charge to 80% for daily use.
• Use certified chargers: Only use UL-listed Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. Avoid cheap, uncertified adapters or extension cords.
• Inspect your charging cable: Look for fraying, melting, or discoloration. Replace it immediately if damaged.
• Keep your software updated: Manufacturers push updates to improve battery safety and thermal management. Enable automatic updates.
• Check for recalls: Visit the NHTSA website monthly to see if your model has any open recalls related to battery or charging systems.

What to Do If You Smell Smoke or See Flames

If you’re in your car and smell something burning:

1. Pull over safely—don’t panic, but act quickly.
2. Turn off the car and put it in park.
3. Exit immediately and move at least 100 feet away.
4. Call 911 and tell them it’s an electric vehicle fire. This helps responders bring the right equipment.
5. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself—EV fires require professional tools.
6. Warn others to stay clear. The car could explode or release toxic fumes.

After the fire, contact your insurance company and the EV manufacturer. Most offer 24/7 emergency support for battery-related incidents.

Hurricane and Flood Preparedness

Living in Florida means being ready for storms. If a hurricane is coming:

• Charge your EV to 50% (not 100%)—this reduces battery stress during power outages.
• Move it to higher ground if possible.
• If it gets flooded, do not charge or drive it. Water damage can cause delayed fires.
• Contact a certified technician for a full inspection before using it again.

Data and Statistics: How Common Are EV Fires in Florida?

Let’s look at the numbers. While headlines make it seem like EV fires are common, the reality is more nuanced. Here’s a breakdown of data from the U.S. Fire Administration, NFPA, and Florida Highway Patrol (2020–2023):

Vehicle Type	Total Fires in Florida (2020–2023)	Fires per 100,000 Vehicles	Avg. Fire Extinguishing Time	Reignition Risk
Gasoline Cars	1,842	15.2	12 minutes	Low (under 5%)
Hybrid Cars	127	8.6	25 minutes	Moderate (10–15%)
Electric Cars	43	0.8	68 minutes	High (30–40%)

Key takeaways:

• EV fires are rare—only 43 in four years across a state with over 1 million EVs and hybrids.
• But when an electric car in Florida catches fire, it takes longer to put out and has a higher risk of reigniting.
• Gas cars still account for over 90% of vehicle fires.
• The low fire rate per 100,000 EVs suggests that EVs are actually safer in terms of fire frequency.

Still, the perception of danger is high. Why? Because EV fires are more dramatic, harder to fight, and often happen without warning—like the Orlando case. This makes them more newsworthy, even if they’re not more common.

The Future of EV Safety in the Sunshine State

The story of an electric car in Florida catches fire isn’t just about risk—it’s about progress. Every new technology faces growing pains. Remember when people were afraid of airbags? Or seatbelts? Now they’re standard and trusted. EVs are on the same path.

Manufacturers are already responding. Tesla, Ford, Rivian, and others are developing solid-state batteries that are less prone to thermal runaway. These new batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid, making them safer and more stable—even in extreme heat.

Florida is also investing in infrastructure. The state’s “SunTrax” test facility in Polk County is studying how EVs perform in heat, humidity, and flooding. Data from SunTrax is helping shape new safety standards and emergency protocols.

And let’s not forget the human element. As more firefighters, mechanics, and first responders get trained, the response to EV incidents will improve. The goal isn’t to eliminate risk—that’s impossible—but to minimize it and manage it better.

For you, the EV owner, this means staying informed, practicing safe habits, and not letting fear override facts. Yes, an electric car in Florida catches fire can happen. But it’s not a reason to avoid EVs. It’s a reason to be smart, prepared, and proactive.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t stop driving because one car caught fire on the highway. You’d wear a seatbelt, check your tires, and stay alert. The same logic applies here. EVs are cleaner, quieter, cheaper to maintain, and increasingly safer. The future is electric—and it’s already here.

So if you’re considering an EV, or you already own one, don’t panic. Read the manual. Follow best practices. Keep your software updated. And if you’re ever in doubt, reach out to your local EV community. There are thousands of Florida drivers just like you, sharing tips, stories, and support.

The next time you hear about an electric car in Florida catches fire, remember: it’s a rare event, not a trend. And with the right knowledge and care, you can drive confidently into the future—safely, sustainably, and without fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the electric car in Florida catch fire?

Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by a battery malfunction or overheating after exposure to extreme heat, though investigations are ongoing. Florida’s high humidity and temperatures can exacerbate risks in lithium-ion batteries.

Are electric cars more likely to catch fire than gas cars?

No, studies show electric vehicles (EVs) are not more prone to fires than traditional gas-powered cars—but EV fires require different firefighting techniques due to battery chemistry. Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries can make extinguishing harder.

What should I do if my electric car catches fire?

Call 911 immediately and move to a safe distance—never attempt to put out an EV fire yourself. Firefighters use specialized methods, like submerging the battery in water, to fully extinguish electric car fires.

How common are electric car fires in Florida?

While isolated incidents like the recent “electric car in Florida catches fire” make headlines, they remain rare. Florida’s EV adoption rate is high, so proper maintenance and avoiding flood damage are key to prevention.

Can Florida’s climate increase electric car fire risks?

Extreme heat and saltwater exposure in Florida can degrade battery components over time, potentially increasing risks. Park in shaded areas, avoid deep flooding, and follow manufacturer charging guidelines to mitigate issues.

Are EV manufacturers improving safety after the Florida fire?

Yes, companies are enhancing battery designs with better cooling systems and fire-resistant materials. Updates to battery management software also help prevent thermal runaway in high-temperature environments like Florida.