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The Model S has as a large battery pack under the passenger compartment, protected by a quarter-inch-thick metal shield. Experts say that if debris punctures the shield and damages the battery, it can cause shorts and arcing that can touch off fires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. government’s auto safety watchdog, says the agency will contact Tennessee authorities to determine if there are safety problems that need further action.

The driver in Tennessee was able to pull onto an emergency lane and escape. Tesla said it has sent a team to investigate.

Company spokeswoman Liz Jarvis-Shean says the fire was not spontaneous. She says Tesla contacted the driver, who believes the car saved his life.

The fire burned the front of the car, according to pictures posted on the Jalopnik.com and Valuewalk.com websites.

Larry Farley, Rutherford County fire chief, says the blaze was so hot and intense that it melted the front of the car. “It pretty much just melted to the road,” Farley says.

The passenger compartment was in pretty good shape after the flames were extinguished, Farley says.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are around 194,000 vehicle fires on U.S. roads each year. The vast majority — 61% — start in the engine area, while 15% start in the passenger area. Approximately 300 people die and 1,250 are injured in U.S. vehicle fires each year. Most happen in gas-powered cars, which make up the vast majority of cars on U.S. roads. Electric vehicles make up less than 1% of the cars sold in the U.S.