A Florida family's home was destroyed and their dog killed when a Tesla Model S caught fire in their garage during Hurricane Helene, according to a federal lawsuit. The fire was reportedly caused by the vehicle's battery system coming into contact with saltwater from the storm surge. The incident occurred in September 2024 when Hurricane Helene hit Tampa Bay as a Category 4 storm, bringing the worst flooding in over a century. The family's home, a 5,400-square-foot structure, was reduced to ashes in the fire, which happened so quickly that emergency responders could not save their dog. The family was rescued by Grey Bull Rescue, a local group run by former military personnel. The lawsuit, filed in a Tampa federal court on September 24, claims that Tesla was aware of potential safety risks related to its vehicles' batteries being exposed to water. According to the complaint, Tesla had received multiple warnings about the risk of sudden and explosive fires when its batteries were exposed to water. Despite these concerns, the company continued to market and sell its vehicles, including the 2021 Model S Plaid that was parked in the family's garage. The vehicle was submerged in saltwater during the storm, leading to an explosion and fire that destroyed the home. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla's battery design and the materials used contributed to the fire and that the company concealed this defect from customers. Tesla, which is owned by Elon Musk, had been aware of the issue since at least 2010 when it filed patents for fire retardant materials to prevent lithium-ion battery thermal runaway. In 2022, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) warned that electric vehicle batteries exposed to saltwater could trigger thermal runaway, leading to fires that are difficult to control and can last up to six hours. The Murphys' lawsuit also points out that Tesla had access to safer battery protection, including its own patented fire retardant material, but did not use it. The complaint states that Tesla claimed its vehicles were safer than other electric vehicles, despite the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. The family is seeking damages, including compensation for their losses, punitive damages, and any other relief deemed appropriate by a jury. Similar incidents have been reported in other areas, with other homes reportedly destroyed by Tesla fires caused by exposure to water or defective components.