Colorado firefighters urge residents to close windows, turn off HVAC systems after electric vehicle fire

South Metro Fire Rescue crews rushed to a burning electric vehicle near Arapahoe Road and Waco Street on Tuesday morning. While the car was burning, firefighters urged residents within a half mile of the fire to close their windows and doors and turn off their HVAC systems as a precaution. 

According to investigators, crews were alerted to the vehicle fire just after 7 a.m. Arapahoe Road was closed in both directions as crews worked to contain the fire. 

The fire from the Tesla was putting out a lot of thick, black smoke, as seen in the video that SMFR posted on X. 

Investigators said the vehicle fire was caused by an abandoned tow hitch that was left in the road. At least four vehicles struck the hitch, including the vehicle that ignited in flames.  

The driver was able to escape the burning vehicle. 

Officials did not have an estimate of when Arapahoe Road would reopen to traffic.