Tesla Semi Crash Sparks Massive Fire in California, 50,000 Gallons Used

On August 19, a Tesla Semi truck, driven by a Tesla employee, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on California's Interstate 80. The truck struck a traffic delineator, collided with a tree, and ultimately came to rest against several others after traveling down an earthen slope. This incident resulted in the ignition of the truck's lithium-ion electric battery system, leading to a significant post-crash fire that required extensive firefighting efforts. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) responded to the scene, utilizing 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish the flames and cool the vehicle's batteries. Aircraft were also deployed to drop fire retardant from above. The fire caused the closure of the eastbound lanes of the interstate for 15 hours, diverting traffic and necessitating a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including CAL FIRE, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and Caltrans. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed during the incident. Following the fire, the truck was transported to an open-air facility for monitoring over a 24-hour period to ensure that the battery system did not reignite, a common concern in electric vehicle fires due to the risk of thermal runaway. Air quality measurements were taken, and a thermal scanner was used to monitor the battery temperature. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash to determine its cause and to develop safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. This investigation highlights the ongoing challenges and safety considerations associated with electric vehicle technology.