According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to more than 215,000 vehicle fires every year—roughly 590 vehicle fires per day. These fires are responsible for an estimated 643 civilian deaths, over 1,500 injuries, and $2.8 billion in property damage annually.
In fact, only fires in single-family homes cause more deaths than vehicle fires. And most people never stop to ask: Was this fire preventable?
Car fires are violent, fast-moving and life-threatening. In gasoline-powered cars, a fuel system defect can cause fuel to spray or leak during a crash—igniting instantly. In electric vehicles, a damaged or unstable battery can enter thermal runaway, burning at extreme temperatures, sometimes reigniting hours or days later.
At Lucas Law Firm, we investigate car fires and electric vehicle fires to determine whether a defect was responsible. A low-speed crash leads to a fatal blaze. A parked EV ignites in a garage. A vehicle passes inspection—then explodes without warning.
In every one of these cases, we look for the same thing: a defect that should have been caught, corrected or disclosed. We prepare these cases for trial, working with fire cause and origin investigators, battery engineers and federal safety experts to uncover the root cause of the fire.
In this post, we’ll explain:
- What causes a car fire or electric car fire
- How thermal runaway happens in EV batteries
- Safety standards like FMVSS 301
- When fire injuries or fatalities may point to a defect—and what to do next
What Causes a Car Fire?
The vast majority of vehicles never catch fire. When they do, it’s often because of one of three things:
- Fuel system defects (leaks, ruptured tanks or faulty fuel lines)
- Electrical system failures (wiring harnesses, fuses and connectors)
- Post-collision design flaws (structural failures allowing fuel or heat to escape)
In gas-powered cars, fire risks increase after a crash—particularly rear-end collisions where the fuel tank is compromised. That’s why the federal government introduced FMVSS 301, a safety standard that requires vehicles to limit fuel leakage during and after a collision.
FMVSS 301 Violations
When a car fails to meet FMVSS 301, it may release flammable fuel under pressure. If the tank is placed in a crush zone or lacks adequate shielding, even moderate-speed collisions can result in a fire.
What Causes an Electric Car Fire?
Electric car fires involve a completely different threat: lithium-ion battery failure. These batteries store massive energy, and when damaged or improperly managed, they can enter a self-heating chain reaction known as thermal runaway.
What is Thermal Runaway?
Thermal runaway is a chemical chain reaction that occurs when a damaged cell inside a lithium-ion battery overheats and ignites surrounding cells—releasing heat, flames, and toxic gases. Once it begins, it’s extremely difficult to stop.
- Temperatures can exceed 1,100°F
- Fires can reignite hours or days later
- Standard extinguishers are often ineffective
- Firefighters require specialized EV fire suppression training
EV fires are more rare than gas fires, but they’re more dangerous and harder to extinguish. The issue isn’t frequency—it’s severity.
It can take as long as 24 hours and about 3,000 to 8,000 gallons of water applied directly to the battery to extinguish a Tesla battery fire. However, some estimate the amount of water needed is closer to 20,000 to 30,000 gallons.
How Many Electric Vehicles Catch Fire Every Year?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board and third-party EV fire researchers, electric vehicles experience fewer fires per mile traveled than gas vehicles. While there’s no universal tracking system for all EV fires, data indicates approximately 25 fires per 100,000 electric vehicles sold. With approximately 3 million EVs on U.S. roads, that’s hundreds of electric car fires occur each year, and the number is rising as adoption increases.
Common causes include:
- Battery punctures in a crash
- Manufacturing defects in battery cells
- Improper cooling or defective battery management systems (BMS)
- Overcharging or faulty charging equipment
These aren’t driver errors. They’re design and system failures—and in some cases, they’re recall-worthy defects.
Real-World Vehicle Fire Defect Cases
- Tesla Fires: Multiple incidents involving spontaneous electric car fires in parked or charging Tesla vehicles have led to lawsuits and scrutiny over battery design and thermal management systems.
- GM Bolt Recall: General Motors recalled over 140,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs due to battery defects that caused unprovoked fires, leading to injuries and property damage.
- Ford Pinto (Historic): The Pinto’s rear-mounted gas tank failed to meet crash standards, igniting in low-speed collisions. The resulting lawsuits and fatalities led to sweeping changes in fuel system design and FMVSS 301 enforcement.
Why Vehicle Fire Cases Require Immediate Investigation
In any car fire—gasoline or electric—the vehicle is usually destroyed. Evidence burns. Witnesses focus on the flames, not what triggered them.
That’s why these cases require:
- Preservation of vehicle remains (even when charred)
- Review of black box data, fire incident reports, and scene photos
- Analysis by fire reconstruction specialists and battery engineers
- Review of recall history and technical service bulletins
Without a product liability team involved early, the opportunity to prove a defective vehicle fire case can disappear.
When to Contact a Car Fire Attorney
If you or someone you love was seriously injured—or killed—in a car fire or electric car fire, and you suspect something didn’t make sense, don’t wait.
Common signs a vehicle defect may be involved:
- Fire broke out after a low-speed crash
- Fire occurred while parked or charging
- Fuel tank ruptured or leaked excessively
- Fire appeared to start underneath the vehicle
- A recall or service bulletin exists for that make/model
A car fire attorney can help you uncover whether a fuel system or battery defect was to blame—and whether legal action is possible.
Talk to a Car Fire Attorney at Lucas Law Firm
At Lucas Law Firm, we handle high-stakes auto defects cases across the country. We’re the firm other attorneys call when a crash leads to unexplained injury or death—and fire is involved.
Our team works with:
- Battery and electrical system experts
- Fire cause and origin investigators
- Crash engineers and regulatory consultants
If a defective vehicle or EV battery design flaw caused your injuries or your loved one’s death, we’ll find out—and hold the manufacturer accountable.
Contact Lucas Law Firm today to speak with a car fire attorney who knows what to look for—and how to hold manufacturers accountable.
FAQ: Car Fire & Electric Car Fire Cases
My car caught on fire. What now?
First, make sure the vehicle is preserved—do not authorize it to be scrapped. Then request the fire department’s report and contact an attorney who can coordinate an investigation.
What causes an electric car fire?
Most involve battery failure, poor thermal regulation, or a short circuit—often triggered by a crash, impact, or charging malfunction.
Are electric car fires more dangerous than gas car fires?
Yes. EV fires can be hotter, harder to extinguish, and prone to reignition due to thermal runaway. Specialized equipment and training are often needed.
Can I sue if a defective vehicle caused a fire?
Yes. If the fire was caused by a fuel system defect, electrical failure, or battery flaw, you may have a product liability claim. Our auto defect team can help you build that case.