The fire destroyed the expensive electric car, which usually costs $70,000 or more. It also burned down an empty house next door. Luckily, no one got hurt.
Arturo Sánchez, who works for the Tijuana Fire Department, said they've never dealt with a Tesla fire before.
"This is something unusual that we are experiencing for the first time — seeing a Tesla on fire," Sánchez said. "It is essential to know how [to fight fires in electric vehicles]."
The firefighters had a tough job. They needed lots of water to put out the flames because of the car's big battery. The illegal power connection made things even more dangerous.
People often use 'diablitos' on construction sites in Mexico before proper power lines are set up. Some folks also use them to avoid paying electricity bills. But these hookups can overload circuits, cause fires, and even electrocute people.
The car's owner was reportedly an American tourist. It's not clear why they used the risky 'diablito' method when Tijuana has regular charging stations for electric cars.
The fire department acted fast. They stopped the fire from spreading to other homes nearby. Sánchez mentioned they're now training to handle electric vehicle fires better in the future.
This odd event shows how important it is to charge electric cars safely. Using proper charging stations keeps everyone out of danger and prevents expensive mistakes.
Source: Mexico News Daily