FRANKLIN, Tenn. – A fire involving multiple electric vehicles broke out at a Rivian dealership and service center in Franklin early Saturday morning, sending one firefighter to a local hospital for evaluation.
Franklin Fire Department crews responded to the scene on 5th Avenue North around 1:20 a.m. and found four electric vehicles ablaze outside the building, with flames extending into a service bay. The firefighter was treated and released. No other injuries were reported.
Firefighters contained the blaze but remained on scene for over four hours to monitor and cool the vehicle’s battery packs. Crews utilized a Turtle Nozzle, a specialized tool designed for extinguishing electric vehicle fires.
The cause of the fire is currently under inquiry, but authorities suspect one of the vehicles, possibly connected to a charger, was the initial source. The total damage cost remains undetermined.
“This incident highlights the challenges of fighting electric vehicle fires,” said Franklin Fire Marshal Andy King in a release. “Our crews did an excellent job containing the fire and preventing more significant damage to the building. We’re also grateful to our partners including Franklin Police, Williamson Health EMS, and WCRS Box 94 for assisting on scene.”
Electric vehicle fires pose unique challenges due to the high energy density of lithium-ion batteries, often requiring specialized equipment and extended cooling periods to prevent reignition.
