Tesla Car Fire Involved Battery

A fire that engulfed the front end of a Tesla electric car also burned in the vehicle’s battery pack.

In documents obtained by The Associated Press under Washington state public records law, firefighters describe their struggle to extinguish the flames burning a Model S car near Seattle on Tuesday.

Firefighters say in an incident narrative that the car fire appeared to be extinguished but then reignited, leading them to dismantle the front end of the vehicle. They used a jack to lift the vehicle and a circular saw to gain access to the burning battery pack.

Shares of Tesla Motors Inc. fell more than 6 percent Wednesday after an Internet video showed flames spewing from the vehicle.

The driver said he believes he struck debris on the road. Tesla says every indication is that the fire was a result of damage caused by that collision.