Hurricane Helene Reveals Hidden Fire Threat: Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose Extreme Risk After Flooding

When electric vehicles or battery-powered devices are submerged in saltwater, the internal components of their lithium-ion batteries can corrode, overheat, and enter thermal runaway. This process leads to the release of flammable gases and a high risk of delayed ignition—even days after flooding occurs.

Residents, emergency responders, and tow operators are urged to treat any water-damaged battery device as a potential fire hazard.

If your EV, hybrid, or battery-powered device has been affected by floodwaters, officials recommend the following fire safety steps:

• Unplug the vehicle or device immediately.
• Move it to an open, outdoor space—away from your home, garage, or apartment complex.
• Do not attempt to charge it under any circumstances.
• Vent the cabin by leaving windows or doors open to release flammable gases.
• Disable the vehicle by placing it in park, removing the ignition key, chocking wheels, and disconnecting the 12V battery.
• Avoid contact with the high-voltage battery, especially if overheating or smoke is present.
• Consult the manufacturer’s flood/fire guidance for your specific model.

Patronis criticized EV manufacturers for failing to warn consumers in time:

“Unfortunately, before Helene made landfall, we didn’t see proactive outreach from manufacturers. It’s not too late for them to send urgent safety notifications and guidance.”

He is urging automakers and battery device companies to distribute fire safety protocols and disposal instructions to customers in flood-prone areas immediately.

Do not dispose of flooded EVs or battery-powered devices in regular trash or car lots. Instead:

• Contact your local government for designated disposal centers.
• Coordinate with licensed tow companies for safe vehicle relocation.
• Follow the guidance of the U.S. Department of Transportation, NFPA, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The FPRF, the research affiliate of NFPA, is a nonprofit committed to advancing fire safety science and developing practical solutions through collaborative research.

Part of UL Research Institutes, FSRI focuses on resolving modern fire safety challenges by providing tools, data, and education to improve tactical decisions and public awareness.

One of the most dramatic incidents featured in the video occurred in Colorado, where firefighters were unaware that gases from a burning plug-in hybrid were building pressure inside a garage. The resulting explosion blew the doors off their tracks, nearly hitting a firefighter and knocking others off their feet.

This process, called off-gassing, often precedes a battery explosion. Without thermal cameras or gas sensors, first responders may not recognize the threat until it’s too late.

This joint notice is a timely wake-up call for fire services worldwide. While fire blankets may appear to provide quick control, they can also conceal life-threatening hazards when lithium-ion batteries are involved.

The safest response starts with informed tactics—backed by science.