Florida officials have reported 16 lithium-ion battery fires related to Hurricane Helene's storm surge, with 6 occurring in electric vehicles (EVs). The incidents have sparked safety concerns and led to warnings for EV owners in flood-prone areas.

Pinellas County officials shared footage of an EV catching fire in a flooded garage, advising owners not to charge or store EVs in homes or garages after flooding. They recommended moving affected vehicles at least 50 feet away from combustible materials and having them towed for inspection.

Florida's chief financial officer and fire marshal, Jimmy Patronis, called on automakers to be more proactive in notifying customers about moving EVs to higher ground before storms and providing guidance on handling flooded vehicles. The warnings come at a critical time for the EV industry, which is facing slower-than-expected consumer demand.

While some data suggests EVs generally catch fire less often than gas-powered cars, saltwater from storm surges poses a particular risk to lithium-ion batteries. The recent fires have led to increased education efforts by fire departments in coastal areas on preventing and handling EV fires.

The volatility of EV battery fires presents challenges for emergency responders, as extinguishing them can require over 10,000 gallons of water and the risk of reignition remains even after appearing extinguished. These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and safety measures as EV adoption grows, particularly in areas prone to flooding and extreme weather events.