A Huntington Beach garage erupted in flames when an electric vehicle charging system “malfunctioned” over the weekend, fire officials said.
“Thanks to the quick response from Huntington Beach Fire, the fire was contained to the garage, preventing further damage,” the Huntington Beach Fire Department posted on Instagram Wednesday.
There were no reports of injury due to the fire but officials offered the following safety tips for those considering purchasing an electric vehicle:
- Before buying an EV, have a qualified electrician install a dedicated circuit for your charger as older home wiring may not be suitable.
- When charging your EV follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult your dealership if needed.
- Use a charging device certified by a nationally recognized testing lab.
- Plug Level I chargers directly into an outlet, never use an extension cord or adapter.
- Install a residual current device to detect faults and prevent fires.
- Keep charging components out of children’s reach when not in use.
“Taking these precautions helps keep your home and family safe!” the Fire Department said.
