When exposed to high heat, lithium batteries like those in Tesla's can burn for a long time and require significant water to extinguish.

As the smoke clears from devastating Los Angeles wildfires, efforts to clean up the affected areas are being complicated by burnt-out electric and hybrid vehicles and home-battery storage systems.

Toxic fumes released by Tesla vehicles and other electric cars which have burned in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires are hindering cleanup efforts in the area. Jacqui Irwin, a state assembly member representing the Pacific Palisades,

Burning Teslas are delaying recovery efforts for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires as their lithium batteries help to fuel the fires.

Lithium batteries from Tesla, along with those from other carmakers, have added to the mix of toxic materials requiring specialised removal in the wake of the fires. They will delay the fire victims’ return to their properties.