### Fires Ignite in Tampa Post-Hurricane Due to Electric Cars

TAMPA, Fla. - In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Tampa faced not only rising waters but also fires ignited by electric vehicles. The combination of lithium-ion batteries and floodwaters from the hurricane posed a significant risk, leading to explosions. "Water and the ion batteries do not mix, and they literally explode," explained Tampa Mayor Jane Castor during a press briefing on Friday.

One resident, Andrew Ellinor, experienced a frightening incident on Davis Islands where water infiltration into an electric car led to an explosion, leaving nothing but charred remains. Ellinor noted, "You heard horns honking in the distance. The cars were shorting out."

Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp confirmed the occurrences, saying, "Because of the flooding that we've had, we've had some lithium-ion situations." One notable fire on Blanka Street, likely caused by an electric vehicle, gutted a home, leaving only one wall standing. Mayor Castor observed the devastation from a helicopter, remarking on the tragedy while noting that, fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In Seminole Heights, Tampa firefighters spent hours battling another fire believed to be linked to water-damaged batteries in a garage containing an electric car. While the exact cause remains uncertain, this incident serves as a critical warning for electric vehicle owners.

"If you have any equipment; scooters, bikes, electronic bikes, electrical vehicles that have been submerged in saltwater, please do not power that on, because you will have issues," urged Tripp, emphasizing the potential risks and hazards associated with powering on submerged electric devices.