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Being “first” doesn’t always carry the positive connotation one might think. Recently, a Tesla Model S owner in Tijuana, Mexico, made headlines as the first reported Tesla electric vehicle fire in the area. Unfortunately, this incident also resulted in the destruction of a neighbor’s house. Oops.
As reported by Carscoops, the Model S was connected directly to a utility pole through an illegal setup. Known as diablito, or “little devil,” these unauthorized connections contribute to significant financial losses for Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission, totaling around $2.5 billion each year.
Often seen at construction sites, diablitos can cause overloaded circuits, pose electrocution risks, and lead to fires, as demonstrated in this case. Many people take the gamble, hoping to save money, but sometimes, those savings literally go up in flames.
Arturo Sánchez, a coordinator with the Tijuana Fire Department, noted that while firefighters are trained to handle EV fires, this particular incident involving a Model S was the first of its kind for the department. Sánchez remarked, “This is something we are experiencing for the first time — seeing a Tesla on fire.” Although the firebricks were able to contain the flames quickly, the fire had already spread to a neighboring residence.
Reports suggest that the Tesla belonged to a tourist. A local newspaper highlighted that the incident took place in a low-income neighborhood near the U.S.-Mexico border, where electric vehicle charging stations are readily available. If accurate, this makes the act of stealing electricity particularly perplexing.
Fortunately, at the time of the fire, both the vehicle and the home were unoccupied, resulting in no injuries or fatalities. The house was completely destroyed, but rebuilding may be simpler than repairing the damaged electric vehicle, if it can be repaired at all.
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