PHOENIX — A row of electric semi-trucks caught fire early Friday morning in Phoenix.
The fire broke out at a Nikola facility near 40th Street and Broadway Road, and dozens of firefighters were called out to fight the blaze.
Four trucks caught fire during the incident. There is a risk of the fire reigniting because it involves numerous lithium-ion battery cells, fire officials say.
Officials say the trucks that caught fire were shut down and not operational at the time. It's not known what caused them to catch fire, but foul play may have been involved, according to an initial statement from Nikola.
A statement from Nikola was released Friday morning, stating:
"Early this morning behind our Phoenix headquarters, a fire occurred which affected multiple battery electric trucks. No one has been injured. Foul play is suspected as a vehicle was seen in the area of the affected trucks just prior to the incident and an investigation is underway. Our team applauds the Phoenix and Tempe Fire Departments for taking quick action and staying on top of the situation. We will release additional information as it becomes available."
No one was injured during the fire. The investigation into what happened will continue and firefighters will be at the scene for an extended period of time to ensure the batteries are properly cooled and handled by the company.
Phoenix Fire Department officials asked the public to avoid the area.
Hazardous Materials crews from @PHXFire & @TempeFire are on the scene of multiple electric semi trucks on fire near 40th St and Broadway Rd, please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/RGivsaJAMT
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) June 23, 2023
