Burnt Teslas Delay LA Wildfire Recovery Efforts

The cleanup efforts following the recent wildfires in Los Angeles are facing significant challenges due to the presence of lithium batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly those from Tesla. These batteries complicate the removal of toxic debris and have been linked to longer-burning fires, delaying residents' returns to their homes. State Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin noted that the evacuation area contained numerous vehicles with lithium batteries, which have proven problematic for firefighters. As of October 2024, there were more than 431,000 Teslas registered in the Los Angeles area, giving them a market share three times that of the rest of the nation. Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the unique risks posed by these technologies in an executive order, highlighting the need for specialized cleanup procedures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated $100 million to assist in the recovery efforts, which could face long-term challenges given the scale of the disaster.