.jpg)
WEIMAR — Weimar Volunteer Fire Department battled a blazing fire of a Tesla charging at Wildcat Express and McDonald’s, Thursday, Sept. 17. Weimar VFD responded at 1:05 p.m. to the vehicle “fully engulfed in flames” and brought the fire under control within a few minutes.
“A male subject set a car on fire in the parking lot of McDonald’s and fled the scene on foot,” Weimar Police Department reported. Shortly after, Weimar PD said the suspect had been transported to Colorado County Jail on multiple charges.
However, the lithium-ion battery fueling the car kept producing heat, leading firefighters to pour approximately 30,000 gallons of water for nearly five hours to stabilize the vehicle enough to transport to the wrecker yard.
Jeffrey St. Pierre, 22, was booked on the charges of arson (second degree felony), burglary of habitation (third degree felony) and evading arrest or detention (Class A misdemeanor). St. Pierre is still in custody at the jail with a bond of $60,000 as of time of press.
Weimar VFD responded with five units and 24 firefighters and remained on the scene until 5:22 p.m. Weimar VFD warned that the batteries in electric vehicles are “very unpredictable and still could reignite even though it seems extinguished.”
Weimar VFD thanked the following agencies for assisting: Weimar PD, Colorado County EMS, Colorado County Sheriff’s Office and dispatchers, and Geissen’s Wrecker Service.
