On June 29, 2025, a Tesla Cybertruck towing a woodchipper ignited a half-acre grass fire in southwestern Colorado, prompting a multi-agency response and renewing discussions about electric vehicle (EV) safety during heavy-duty tasks. The incident, reported by KKTV, occurred on private land near Norwood, highlighting potential risks for EV owners and operators in rural settings.

Tesla Cybertruck Sparks Grass Fire In Colorado

Fire Outbreak and Emergency Response

The fire broke out around 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, roughly 4 miles west of Norwood, when the Cybertruck caught fire while towing a woodchipper. The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office initially misidentified the woodchipper as a generator in their statement to KKTV.

“A Tesla Cybertruck is on fire, and a generator was just ignited. The fire is on private property and suppression efforts are underway. No structures are in danger at this time,” the sheriff’s office stated.

The blaze spread quickly, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky.

A coordinated response from Norwood Fire, Naturita Fire, Paradox Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Williams Construction, and both San Miguel and Montrose County Sheriff’s Offices contained the fire within two hours. The blaze consumed just over half an acre (about 0.2 hectares) of private land. Firefighters stayed overnight to monitor for hotspots, as smoke remained visible into the evening.

Battery Risks and Towing Challenges

The Cybertruck, built for tough jobs with a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds, is marketed as a durable EV for tasks like hauling heavy equipment. This incident, however, raises concerns about its battery performance under strain, such as towing a woodchipper weighing 2,000–5,000 pounds. Lithium-ion batteries in EVs can overheat or, if damaged, enter thermal runaway—a reaction causing intense fires that are hard to extinguish. While the fire’s cause is still under investigation, early reports suggest the vehicle was the origin.

EV owners using the Cybertruck for towing or off-road work should prioritize regular maintenance and monitor for signs of battery stress. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, EVs require unique firefighting methods, often involving large amounts of water or specialized foams, which can challenge rural fire response capabilities.

EV Safety Standards and Industry Outlook

As EV adoption grows, with Tesla delivering over 1.8 million vehicles worldwide in 2024, this fire highlights the need for robust safety protocols. The Cybertruck, starting at around $62,490 USD, has drawn praise for its rugged design, but incidents like this may lead to tighter regulations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Administration nationale de la sécurité routière) could explore whether towing stresses increase fire risks in EVs, potentially shaping new standards for manufacturers.

For Cybertruck owners, both recreational and professional, this event emphasizes the importance of monitoring vehicle performance during heavy tasks and ensuring access to emergency services in remote areas. As EVs gain traction in rural and industrial environments, fire departments may require advanced training and tools to tackle EV fires effectively.

The Norwood incident, though swiftly contained, underscores the importance of improving EV battery safety and educating users to mitigate risks in demanding conditions.

Photos courtesy of San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office.