Alabama firefighters use 36,000 gallons of water to put out an EV fire on Christmas

Firefighters in Alabama reportedly gushed out more than 36,000 gallons of water trying to extinguish a flaming Tesla Christmas night.

The Pine Level Fire Department in Autauga County, Alabama, was dispatched to a traffic crash at 11:14 p.m. on Dec. 25, according to a post on Facebook. When the first engine arrived on scene, firefighters found a Tesla Model Y on fire. Law enforcement shut down Interstate 65 while firefighters battled the blaze.

“It was determined the driver of the vehicle was uninjured and had escaped the vehicle before the fire department arrived,” the department stated.

The department used two hose lines, three engines, two rescue fire trucks, an ambulance, four water tankers, one squad car, one brush truck, and three command vehicles.

“This was a first for Autauga County. Electric vehicle fires are unusual and present unique challenges and dangers to firefighters. These vehicles can reignite hours or days after they are first extinguished,” the department stated.  

Besides being difficult to put out, the department explained that they produce toxic gasses, and firefighters have to wear breathing apparatus when in the vicinity of an electric vehicle fire.