The initial dispatch was at 17:42, following reports of smoke and flames coming from a vehicle undergoing repair inside a three-storey, 2 500 m² workshop. The building, newly constructed in 2024, was in use but not yet officially commissioned. Nine employees were present at the time; all safely evacuated.
The Incident
The vehicle, an electric agricultural vehicle, and was being repaired after a recent collision when smoke was noticed coming from the battery compartment. Shortly afterwards, flames developed.
Workshop personnel reacted quickly, using seven foam extinguishers and a fire hose to knock down the flames and move the vehicle outside with a forklift.
When the first fire crew arrived, re-ignition occurred as gases escaped from the lithium-ion battery pack, indicating a thermal runaway. The crew immediately began cooling the area with a hose line and called for the Special Extinguishing Unit (BBM), equipped with Cobra.
Upon arrival, the BBM team initially prepared to ventilate the workshop, but conditions led the incident commander to deploy Cobra for direct internal battery cooling.
Using Cobra, firefighters pierced six points on the battery modules to inject fine water mist and cool from within. A back-up hose line and an overpressure fan were positioned to protect operators and maintain airflow.
This method successfully reduced temperatures below a critical 80°C threshold, stopping the propagation and preventing the need to submerge the vehicle in a water container.
Outcome
Thanks to the rapid and targeted use of Cobra, the fire remained limited to the vehicle. The building structure was unaffected, though light smoke spread briefly to the office floor.
The Cobra operation lasted only several minutes, using a minimal volume of water. The fire was declared under control shortly afterwards. The workshop was operational again within three days after ventilation and cleaning.
Analysis and Learning
Investigators concluded that the battery damage from an earlier collision caused the thermal runaway during charging.
The use of Cobra proved highly effective in cooling lithium-ion battery fires, eliminating the need for immersion, reducing water consumption, and avoiding significant downtime.
Compared with similar electric vehicle battery fires, total damage was reduced by more than 60%, and water use by over 90%.
This incident confirms Cobra’s value as a safe, efficient, and sustainable tool for managing high-risk battery fires.
Benefits of using Cobra at this incident
- Propagation stopped by internal cooling of the battery pack
- No need for immersion or long cooling periods
- Minimal water use and reduced contamination
- Building preserved, operations resumed within three days
- Enhanced safety for firefighters and staff
Source:
Fire Investigation Team Utrecht Safety Region / Team Brandonderzoek Veiligheidsregio Utrecht
Brandweer Benschop / Brandweer Nieuwegein-Zuid
Verslag brandonderzoek – Brand elektrisch aangedreven landbouwvoertuig in werkplaats, Copenweg Lopik (27-08-2024). Team Brandonderzoek, Veiligheidsregio Utrecht (VRU), Netherlands.
