Tesla 'spontaneously' catches fire on California highway; 6,000 gallons of water needed to put it out

A Tesla car "spontaneously" burst into flames on a California freeway over the weekend and firefighters used thousands of gallons of water to put it out.

According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the car's battery caught fire on Saturday along Highway 50.

No one was injured, authorities said.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

The department tweeted that "nothing unusual" took place before the Tesla Model S became "engulfed in flames," but the agency said the car's battery cells "continued to combust" while the fire was being extinguished.

"Crews used jacks to access the underside to extinguish and cool the battery," the department tweeted.

Electric vehicle fires: Something surprising can cause electric vehicles to catch on fire. Here's what experts want you to know.

Experts: Gas prices have jumped for five straight weeks and are 'unlikely' to drop soon

© Sacramento Fire Department A Tesla car "spontaneously" burst into flames on a California freeway over the weekend and firefighters used thousands of gallons of water to put it out. According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the car's battery caught fire on Jan. 28, 2023 along Highway 50.

In all, firefighters said, they used 6,000 gallons of water to extinguish the fire.

Tesla vehicles have lithium-ion batteries that can present fire and explosion hazards when damaged, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Tyre Nichols update: 3 Memphis Fire Department personnel fired for not providing aid to Tyre Nichols

Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tesla 'spontaneously' catches fire on California highway; 6,000 gallons of water needed to put it out