A house fire in Carmel Valley that displaced a family of five and their pets may have been triggered by an electric vehicle, according to San Diego firefighters.

The fire began around 4:15 a.m. in the garage of the home on Nahama Lane, reported SDFD Battalion Chief Taj Capri. The electric vehicle was already engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived, and the fire had spread throughout the garage.

“Crews initiated an aggressive offensive attack on the fire and were able to knock it down before it extended into the living areas. However, the living quarters were heavily charged with smoke on both the first and second floors,” Capri said.

Due to the damage, the family, their rabbit, and another pet were unable to return to their home, and the Red Cross was called to assist with temporary housing arrangements.

A hazardous materials team was called in to investigate whether the electric vehicle's batteries may have contributed to the fire through a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, which can occur when lithium-ion batteries reach a temperature that causes a chemical reaction.

Capri stated that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the SDFD's Arson and Explosions Team was brought in to assist with the investigation.