Electric Vehicle Explodes in Winthrop Driveway, Fire Rapidly Spreads and Damages Two Homes
WINTHROP, Mass. — A terrifying fire that started with an electric vehicle parked between two homes in Winthrop quickly spread, destroying two houses and forcing multiple families from their homes. Fire officials said the blaze created major challenges because of the difficulty involved in controlling a burning EV battery.
The fire broke out Sunday afternoon on River Road in Winthrop, sending flames and heavy smoke into the neighborhood. When firefighters arrived, they found an electric vehicle engulfed in flames in the driveway between two homes, with the fire already spreading to both buildings.
Flames Spread Quickly Between Two Homes
Emergency crews were called to the scene around 4:30 p.m. after reports of a large residential fire.
Firefighters arriving at the property saw intense flames involving the vehicle and both nearby homes. The fire quickly escalated, leading officials to request additional assistance from surrounding communities.
The blaze eventually became a four-alarm fire, bringing help from multiple departments, including crews from nearby Massachusetts communities.
EV Battery Fire Creates Major Challenge
Fire officials said the electric vehicle fire made the response more complicated than a typical car fire.
Lithium-ion battery fires can continue burning even after visible flames are knocked down, requiring firefighters to use extensive cooling methods and monitor the vehicle for possible flare-ups.
Winthrop Fire Chief Stephen Calandra said EV-related fires present unique challenges for emergency crews because the battery systems can be extremely difficult to fully extinguish.
Officials said the investigation is still underway and have not yet officially confirmed the exact cause of the fire.
Two Homes Declared Total Losses
The damage from the fire was devastating.
Both homes involved in the blaze were considered total losses, leaving four families displaced. Residents returned to see significant destruction, with belongings, personal items, and memories lost in the flames.
One resident described the frightening moment when the fire spread, saying windows melted and parts of the home were badly damaged by the intense heat.
Pregnant Resident Escapes Fire, Later Gives Birth
Among those affected was a pregnant woman who lived in one of the homes.
She and another person were transported to a hospital as a precaution following the fire. Officials later learned that the woman went into labor and gave birth to a baby girl shortly afterward.
The family had been preparing for the arrival of their first child, making the destruction of their home even more emotional.
The woman’s father said the family had created a special nursery and had hoped to bring the baby home to the house they lost in the fire.
Firefighters Praised for Rapid Response
Officials praised firefighters and mutual aid crews for their response during the dangerous situation.
Multiple departments assisted in battling the flames and preventing the fire from spreading further throughout the neighborhood.
The Winthrop Fire Department also expressed support for the families affected and thanked responders who helped bring the fire under control.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue investigating what caused the electric vehicle to catch fire.
Officials have not determined whether a mechanical failure, charging issue, battery malfunction, or another factor triggered the blaze.
The incident has renewed discussion about the challenges firefighters face with EV battery fires and the need for improved safety solutions as electric vehicles become more common.
For the families who lost their homes, the focus now turns to recovery, rebuilding, and finding support after a fire that changed their lives in a matter of minutes.
