NHTSA Complaint #11621500 — 2023 FORD EXPEDITION

Hurricane Helene inundated our parking lot on September 27 with approximately 3-4 feet of storm surge. Many vehicles (20-25) were trapped and flooded. This vehicle caught fire and was totally consumed over the course of a 5-6 hour burn. Although all vehicles in our lot were flooded, this was the only vehicle to catch fire. By reports of eyewitnesses, the fire started underwater at the front of the vehicle and proceeded to consume it entirely. It did not blow up. Also reported is that the flashers and alarm/horn were active when the fire started (same was true for most other vehicles in the lot that did not burn). This vehicle is not a Hybrid or EV, it is a stock gasoline vehicle with no modifications. The vehicle was towed away by Auto-Owners Insurance company. It is unknown if they have done any form of inspection or investigation. This was not reported to the police but the fire department made a call to extinguish the flames at 4:55 am when the water receded enough for them to access the parking lot.