Tesla Semi battery fire in California rages at 1,000 degrees, spews toxic fumes, shuts down interstate | 20 Aug 2024 | A Tesla Semi crashed in Northern California on Monday, triggering a hazardous materials incident after the battery ignited and sparked a raging fire that spewed toxic fumes, authorities said. Interstate 80 near Colfax was closed in both directions after Tesla's electric big rig model crashed into trees off the shoulder of the roadway at around 3:15 a.m. Monday, California Highway Patrol (CHP) said. Officials said the semi driver walked away from the crash and was taken to a hospital. The Tesla's battery burned at around 1,000 degrees, and firefighters used "thousands and thousands" of gallons of water in attempts to cool the wreckage, CHP Officer Jason Lyman told KCRA-TV.