The Secret Service vehicles he rented burst into flames Monday morning, one day after he returned from his Nantucket vacation.
Biden spent Thanksgiving in Massachusetts with his family. According to footage first obtained from the Nantucket Current, the Secret Service rented five Hertz vehicles to transport the president and his family.
Footage shows firefighters cleaning out the engine block of one vehicle. These five vehicles included a Chevy Suburban as well a Ford Explorer, Infiniti QX80 and Ford Expedition.
The vehicles were parked at Nantucket’s airport. The fire reportedly spread to only 40 feet from the jet fuel tanks. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Fox News reached the White House for more information, but they did not respond immediately.
“At 5:22 am Airport shift personnel observed an active fire within the rental car overflow zone through the Airport’s Closed Circuit Television System,” said the airport in a statement to The Current. “Staff activated an Alert system and responded at Airport-3 to the fire. They were met by Nantucket Fire Department personnel and Nantucket Police Department officers.”
“Combined fire and rescue resources were able to contain the fire. Multiple vehicles were destroyed. “The Airport is currently working with rental car agencies to ensure scene safety. The Airport is open and all operations are unaffected.”
Biden spent Nantucket weekend with his family and celebrated the holiday. He said that they had no plans to discuss a presidential run in 2024.
The Bidens stayed at a waterfront resort near Nantucket Harbor. Ashley and Hunter Biden were the family members that went along on this trip. Traditions of Thanksgiving on the Island have been going strong for more than 40+ years.
The family was on their first vacation since August, when they flew Air Force One to Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Presidents of the United States enjoy frequent outings during major holidays or in the middle of summer. The presidents of Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump all went on similar vacations during their time in office. Bush often spent time at his Texas ranch. Trump and Obama preferred New England golf resorts.