Tesla Vehicle Bursts Into Flames For A Second Time This Week In Nashua

Nashua NH

16 April, 2022

9:15 AM

Description

NASHUA, NH — Nashua Fire Rescue received calls for a vehicle fire on Mason Street with possible exposure to buildings and other vehicles on Friday. Responders arrived on the scene at 11:15 p.m. and found a vehicle on fire in a secure area of a tow company. Firefighters gained access and attempted to knock down the fire with a hose line they had stretched. Firefighters quickly realized the vehicle on fire was a Tesla — the same that had hit a tree and burst into flames on Amherst Street recently. Crews requested additional personnel to the scene for assistance and water supply. Read: Tesla Bursts Into Flames After Witnesses Say It Hit A Tree In Nashua Nashua Fire's Special Hazard Unit responded to the scene and worked with firefighters at the scene. As the water was applied to the vehicle fire, it continued to burn and could not be extinguished. According to Deputy Chief Kevin Kerrigan, crews knocked down the flames enough to get close to the vehicle and, using equipment, rolled the vehicle over to access the battery compartment under the car. The bottom of the vehicle had a protection plate over the batteries and firefighters worked to remove it while the vehicle continued to burn. Once the plate was removed, crews continued to use water and specially rated extinguishers. The batteries were removed and placed in special Hazmat containers that could be sealed to prevent further ignition. Kerrigan said the tow company has video of the car "flickering" and then bursting into flames with no one around it. According to the manufacturer, rekindling can happen 24 to 36 hours after the initial fire, in this case, it has been six days. At the initial fire on Amherst Street, Nashua Fire said, in a social media post, "These electric vehicle fires pose some unique challenges, and fire crews were on scene for an extended time to complete extinguishment." Fire departments are working to receive training and specialized equipment to fight these types of fires as the vehicles become more popular. No one was injured in the incident, and the vehicle will continue to be monitored for rekindling.