EV Battery Failure Sparked Providence Auto Shop Fire

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A fire that heavily damaged a Providence auto repair shop in March was caused by a failure in the high-voltage battery of an electric vehicle inside the building, according to a report from the Providence Fire Department. The fire started underneath the 2025 GMC Hummer EV, which was completely destroyed, and quickly spread despite the owner's attempts to put it out. No injuries were reported, but the blaze caused significant damage to the shop's electrical systems, equipment, and machinery.

Why it matters

As electric vehicles become more common, this incident highlights the potential fire risks associated with their high-voltage battery systems, especially in repair shops where mechanics may be working on them. The investigation also revealed issues with the auto shop's electrical infrastructure that may have contributed to the severity of the blaze.

The details

According to the fire department report, firefighters had difficulty accessing the vehicle due to obstacles like a mobile trailer and debris. They were unable to fully examine the underside of the Hummer EV because of its 'skateboard-style' battery design built into the frame. One mechanic said he heard the battery explode before fleeing the building. The owner, who was doing the repair work himself, said he tried to disconnect the battery when it started smoking and making noise, but the fire had already started spreading from underneath the vehicle.

• The fire broke out around 8:35 p.m. on March 20, 2026.
• The Hummer EV had been in the shop for about a month for front-end damage prior to the fire.

What’s next

Investigators will likely examine the Hummer EV's battery system more closely to determine the exact cause of the failure that led to the fire. The auto shop's electrical infrastructure and fire suppression systems will also likely be reviewed to identify any potential safety issues that need to be addressed.