Florida Urges EV Owners to Prepare for Fire Hazards as Hurricane Milton Approaches

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, officials are warning residents and first responders about the fire risks posed by electric vehicles (EVs) and other lithium-ion battery-powered devices. The Florida CFO’s Division of State Fire Marshal highlighted the dangers after reporting 48 lithium-ion battery fires during Hurricane Helene, 11 of which were caused by EVs. These fires are linked to saltwater storm surges that compromise battery integrity, posing a serious threat to homes and lives. Residents are urged to move EVs and similar devices, such as scooters and golf carts, to higher ground and take safety precautions, such as unplugging devices and ensuring they are stored in well-ventilated areas.

An analysis conducted by Idaho National Laboratory further emphasized the risks, noting that stranded energy from submerged vehicles could lead to thermal runaway—an uncontrollable increase in temperature—potentially causing fires. While studies did not find catastrophic battery failures, researchers still discovered issues like mold and corrosion that pose safety risks. Authorities advise residents to follow manufacturer recommendations and avoid charging compromised vehicles to minimize fire hazards.