Veteran NFL wide receiver Randall Cobb is expressing his gratitude to Nashville firefighters for their quick response in saving his family during a house fire.
The fire, which broke out in the garage of Cobb’s Nashville home, was reportedly started by a Tesla charger, as reported by AP News and The Telegraph.
Cobb shared on social media that his family, including their dog, Louie, escaped the fire without injuries.
He praised the firefighters for their bravery, particularly highlighting one firefighter who acted swiftly despite not having water ready to combat the flames.
“I truly thought the cars were going to explode and that we would lose him to this tragedy. He is a true hero,” Cobb said.
The fire caused significant damage to Cobb’s property, particularly in the garage.
The Nashville Fire Department has not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire, though the Tesla charger is suspected.
Cobb’s wife, Aiyda, posted on Instagram, explaining how they escaped with only the clothes they were wearing.
“The Tesla charger caught on fire in the garage late last night and quickly spread.
“We got out of the house with nothing but the clothes on our back and no shoes on our feet,” she said.
Cobb thanked his close friends for providing temporary shelter for his family.
Photos shared by Cobb and his wife show the extensive damage to their home, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
Fire investigators are still examining whether the Tesla charger was indeed the cause of the fire.
Research by Verisk Analytics indicates that while electric vehicles (EVs) may not catch fire as frequently as combustion engine vehicles, EV battery fires can reach temperatures up to one thousand degrees hotter, posing significant challenges for firefighting efforts.
Cobb’s experience underscores the importance of fire safety, particularly with the increasing use of electric vehicles and the potential risks associated with them.