TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warned Tesla owners and first responders about the heightened dangers of electric vehicle (EV) fires, in light of recent targeted arson attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships. CFO Patronis also warned would-be arsonists of severe criminal penalties for targeting Teslas in Florida. Recent criminal incidents have highlighted the unique challenges firefighters face when responding to EV fires, including the complexities of extinguishing lithium-ion battery blazes, which burn extremely hot and can reignite after appearing fully extinguished. These situations put both first responders and surrounding communities at great risk.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "I want to be clear - if you commit arson in Florida, you will be caught, and you will be thrown in jail. Our state has zero tolerance for this reckless, violent activity that we've seen at Tesla dealerships around the country and targeting Tesla owners on the streets. If you do this in Florida, we will throw the book at you, and you could face up to 30 years in prison. As we've seen following hurricanes and storms, EV fires are extremely hazardous; they burn incredibly hot, cannot be extinguished quickly, and can reignite without warning. They can and will cause catastrophic property damage to anything in their path and put our first responders in life-threatening situations.

"I cannot stress enough the extreme fire risks that electric vehicles, including Teslas, pose to their owners and the brave first responders who risk their lives to extinguish these fires. Vehicle owners must know the dangers of EV fires and take necessary precautions. Be on the lookout, and if you see something, say something. Report arson to my statewide Arson Tip Hotline at 1-877-NO-ARSON (662-7766)."

As more EVs are on the roadways, the Division of State Fire Marshal is committed to educating the public on proper safety measures and the importance of responsible vehicle ownership. The Division urges all Tesla owners and electric vehicle drivers to familiarize themselves with the potential hazards and always contact local authorities in case of a vehicle fire or concerning incident.

Quick Tips for First Responders:

1. Identify the type and model of vehicle so that they know where the battery is and how to best shut down the vehicle if possible.
2. Be prepared to use more water for electric vehicle fires, and note that fires could also be burning inside one of the protective compartments, invisible to the first responder.
3. Be aware of the possibility that a lithium-ion battery fire could reignite. If not entirely discharged, the stored energy inside the battery could cause a second or even third fire.
4. Keep electric vehicles that have been in an accident away from buildings or other structures because of the possibility of re-ignition.
5. Understand that electric vehicles are silent and may still be on even if it’s not audible. The voltage from the vehicle could shock a first responder.
6. Always wear self-contained breathing apparatuses when dealing with a lithium-ion battery fire, as some vehicles can emit toxic vapors.

Additional Resources for First Responders:

• NHTSA Interim Guidance for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Equipped With High Voltage Batteries
• Electric Vehicle Safety Training (NFPA): http://www.evsafetytraining.org
  A nationwide program through the National Fire Protection Association to help firefighters and other first responders effectively deal with emergency situations involving electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. The Web site hosts an EV blog, calendar of events, training videos, emergency field guides from 19 auto manufacturers, research reports, as well as an online training course.
• Individual Vehicle Emergency Response Guides
• Bulletin on Submerged Hybrid/Electric Vehicles
• Tesla Safety Information

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis 
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).