For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 6, 2022
Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

**VIDEO RELEASE B-ROLL**

CFO Patronis Assesses Fire Response Activities Related to EVs

Collier County, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis joined North Collier Fire Rescue to assess response activities related to Hurricane Ian. During a tour of the region, the fire department responded to a fire by an electric vehicle (EV). Watch b-roll HERE. 

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “There are many EVs in Southwest Florida, and unlike a normal gas engine, saltwater corrodes those lithium batteries causing fires. While EVs are nothing new, there hasn’t been a lot of experience throughout the nation related to EVs catching fire as a result of salty, storm surge water. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently coordinating with area fire teams to see whether additional assistance is needed from the State to respond to these potential fires.”

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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).