Patronis urges EV owners move vehicles away from storm surge ahead of Idalia

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis reminded owners of electric vehicles and other lithium ion-powered devices to relocate their devices away from areas that may be impacted by storm surge. 

He said the saltwater from storm surge can “compromise batteries, causing fires which cannot be easily suppressed.”

Patronis said they saw a number of fires associated with electric vehicles from Hurricane Ian, as previously reported by Florida’s Voice. According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, 21 fires were associated with electric vehicles from Hurricane Ian.

“Take this threat seriously,” Patronis said. “If there’s even a small risk of your EV being impacted by storm surge, move it to higher ground before it’s too late.”

The best fire teams can do is keep water on the battery until the fuel burns out, according to Patronis.

“If you’re evacuating and leaving an EV, or other lithium ion powered devices like scooters or golf carts in your garage, you’re creating a real fire threat for your home, your communities, and first responders,” Patronis said.

Additionally, Patronis issued a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take steps to protect first responders.

The Fire Marshal’s Office has been coordinating with public and private sector partners to develop best practices and identify ways to mitigate threats posed by fires associated with lithium ion batteries.

For more information on electric vehicles and first responder safety, click here.