Fire officials say vehicles and other items powered by lithium-ion batteries have been known to catch on fire after being exposed to saltwater flooding.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Amy Bollen with the South Trail Fire and Rescue District in Fort Myers says in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, crews are now having to battle another lasting effect of the storm.
“Electric vehicles have a type of battery called a lithium-ion battery. So we are seeing fires that are occurring in these types of vehicles, but not just the electric vehicles but also objects that have this type of battery,” she explained. “Saltwater definitely seems to be a key where it is causing that short circuit to happen.”
Whether it be a power tool in your garage with that battery that’s been…