Sanibel Island Fire Chief Kevin Barbot issued a warning at a news conference regarding the fire hazard posed by electric vehicles and other items with lithium ion batteries when submerged in sea water during hurricanes. He emphasized the importance of moving such items to higher ground to prevent potential fires.
Barbot highlighted the significant risk of fires caused by saltwater submergence, citing multiple incidents where homes were damaged due to this issue. He advised residents to relocate any devices utilizing lithium batteries, such as electric bikes, lawn equipment, and power tools, to higher ground or a second floor.
In response to the potential danger, Tampa city officials have opened parking garages for electric vehicle owners to safely park their cars during the hurricane. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Hillsborough County commissioner Harry Cohen shared stories of homes being lost to fires triggered by electric vehicles during previous hurricanes.
Cohen emphasized the unpredictable nature of combustion in such scenarios, noting that fires can occur suddenly or even weeks after exposure to saltwater. He recommended disposing of lithium ion batteries that have been flooded or exposed to saltwater at designated community collection centers or household hazardous waste events.
