PORT ANGELES — A detached four-car garage and workshop were destroyed in a fire on Friday morning on Deer Park Road, east of Port Angeles, according to Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton of Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue.
Fire crews were dispatched at 10:53 a.m. after reports of a structure fire involving a Tesla electric vehicle plugged inside the garage and solar panels powering a travel trailer also stored within the structure.
Upon arrival, the first chief officer reported flames and smoke coming from the front of the building and spreading through the roof. Due to the intensity of the fire and confirmation that no one was inside, firefighters adopted a defensive strategy, focusing on containing the blaze and protecting the main house.
Fire crews from Port Angeles Fire Department and Clallam County Fire District #3 assisted under an automatic aid agreement.
Denton says firefighters successfully knocked down the fire within 20-30 minutes, but crews remained on scene for about two more hours to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. The Tesla and numerous lithium-ion batteries inside the structure contributed to the extended overhaul time, Denton said.
The garage and workshop were deemed a total loss. No injuries were reported.