Tesla bursts into flames in garage during Hurricane Helene, leaving Florida family homeless: Watch

Nine people were inside the home when the fire started.

A Florida family lost their house to a fire when their Tesla caught fire during Hurricane Helene.  

Morgan Hodges explained that the family’s Tesla Model X Plaid had been parked in their garage during the storm on Friday in Sarasota. The family provided footage from a Nest camera showing the exact moment the vehicle ignited.  

After six to eight inches of water flooded the garage, the family elevated the car. It wasn’t plugged in at the time of the fire.  

There were nine people in the house when the fire broke out. At least two individuals were awake and quickly noticed the garage was in flames. Everyone managed to escape safely, but the house was completely destroyed.  

According to The Associated Press, electric vehicles can occasionally catch fire if they come into contact with saltwater, although this is a rare occurrence. The best way to prevent this is by keeping the vehicles away from standing water.  

Officials in Pinellas County are advising residents who own electric vehicles exposed to saltwater to park them at least 50 feet away from their homes, as they may still ignite in the following days.