Upon arrival, it was discovered that a solar panel system was on fire on top of the roof of the building. The fire had penetrated into the roof under the solar panels and lots of smoke could be seen.
The fire brigade set up its response structure with seven vehicles and extinguished the burning installations on the roof.
They also used the cutting extinguisher Cobra to attack the individual cells of the solar panel system.
Just one week earlier, four fire fighters from the organisation took part in a special training course that lasted several days, where they were trained in the use of the cutting extinguisher Cobra. Although Cobra had been within the organisation for two years, the training had been postponed due to Covid.
Using Cobra was seen as the only way to fight the fire and extinguish the individual cells. The still intact part of the solar panel system continued to produce electricity.
By using Cobra, a minimum amount of run-off water was created, and the apartments remained undamaged.
The fire brigade was on duty with 50 fire fighters. The Norderney police and the public electricity company were also involved.
Conclusions
- A single tool, Cobra was used to extinguish both the solar panels and the roof
- Cobra is easy to work with, even on a sloping roof
- Easy and flexible use of the extinguisher allowed the operator to reach the seat of the fire effective
- Maximum effect with minimal amount of water – 60 litres per minute
