Some firefighters have received praise after quickly springing to action and averting what would have been a tragic incident. According to reports, the firefighters extinguished a burning Tesla with six thousand gallons of water. Find out more.
What Happened Before The Fire?
At about 3 pm on January 28, 2023, a driver was driving their Tesla Model S along Highway 50 in Rancho Cordova when smoke began coming from the front of the car.
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Firefighters Immediately Responded To The Call
Shortly after, the battery compartment of the electric vehicle spontaneously burst into flames. In a matter of minutes, the Sacramento Fire Department arrived at the location with two fire engines, a water tender, and a ladder truck.
About 6,000 Gallons Of Water Was Used
Immediately, they sprung into action and went as far as using jacks to access the underside, put out the flames, and cool the battery. According to reports, the process required about 6,000 gallons of water because the lithium-ion battery cells continued to combust.
Social Media Uploads Captured The Process
Videos tweeted by the fire department showed the firefighters hosing down the burning sedan while other vehicles drove by. Thankfully, the process was successful, and no injuries were reported. However, the Tesla car sustained catastrophic damage.
The Fire’s Cause Remains Unknown
The Metro Fire of Sacramento crew also relayed that nothing was previously wrong with the car, and the possible cause of the fire was yet to be identified.
Another Tesla Fire Incident
The California incident is not the first time a Tesla car would be going up in flames in the last few months. In June 2022, a Tesla Model S spontaneously caught fire at a junkyard in Rancho Cordova.
Firefighters Arrived On Time
Reports revealed the electric vehicle had been sitting in the junkyard for three weeks after it was wrecked in a collision. Firefighters immediately arrived at the scene and tried to extinguish the flames.
The Firefighters Had Many Failed Attempts
However, the Tesla’s battery would reignite the fire each time they tried due to the residual heat. After many failed attempts, the firefighters came up with the perfect idea.
The Firefighters Thought Of The Best Idea
They dug a pit near the Tesla, filled it with water, and moved the burning electrical car into it. The technique was effective as the Tesla’s battery compartment was totally submerged in water, putting out the flames.
About 4,500 Gallons Of Water Were Used
Thankfully, no casualties were recorded, but the fire department noted that they used about 4,500 gallons of water, the same amount used for a building fire.
A Third Fire Incident
In a similar occurrence in November 2022, firefighters in Pennsylvania had to use 12,000 gallons of water to extinguish a brand-new Tesla Model S that had burst into flames after driving over a large piece of debris.
There Were No Casualties
The local fire department later wrote on Facebook that the Tesla burned “so hot and long that if it was not for the rims, you might not even know it was a vehicle.” Thankfully, the car owner and their pet dog escaped unharmed.
Why Do Tesla Batteries Combust Easily?
Tesla batteries are reportedly at higher risk of going up in flames due to their lithium-ion technology. According to reports, they can charge faster but rise to extraordinary temperatures if damaged.
Recent News About The Tesla Company
Elsewhere, Tesla recently recorded a stock increase of about 33 percent after the company suffered an almost 65 percent loss in market value in 2022. This is good news for the company, as they had a 14 percent plunge in their stocks earlier this year.
Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by Chukwudi Onyewuchi
