Salem, OR – Salem firefighters recently used an Emergency Plug during a motor vehicle crash involving a Tesla, providing crews with an additional safety tool while working around the vehicle.
According to the Salem Fire Department, firefighters assigned to Engine 3 deployed the device during the incident. The Emergency Plug is designed to place certain electric vehicles into a charging or protected mode, helping reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement during emergency operations.
Once the device was installed, the Tesla displayed warning messages indicating that vehicle functions were being limited and that the charging system had become inactive. Firefighters on scene observed that the device appeared to prevent normal vehicle operation while crews worked around the vehicle.
The department noted that additional safety measures, including wheel chocks, were still used as part of the response.
One of the key benefits of the Emergency Plug is its ease of use. Firefighters reported that the device was installed in approximately 30 seconds, allowing crews to quickly add another layer of protection at the scene.
As vehicle technology continues to evolve, the Salem Fire Department said its firefighters regularly train with and evaluate new tools and techniques to ensure they can respond safely and effectively to emergencies involving modern vehicles









