Cobra & Vehicle Fires

Background

Vehicle fires are a frequent and significant challenge for fire and rescue services worldwide, and with the increasing number of vehicles on the road, particularly electric and hybrid models, the complexity of firefighting operations continues to grow. While modern electric vehicles introduce new risks, such as thermal runaway, the issue of burning older and modern vehicles with an internal combustion engine remains.

This Use Case focuses on how Cobra can be beneficial in such fire scenarios.

The amount of water required to extinguish a vehicle fire depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the extent of the fire, water supply conditions, the chosen extinguishing method, and the tactical approach. A typical vehicle fire can require between 2,000 and 5,000 litres (530-1320 US gal.) of water when extinguished using a regular hose, delivering approximately 300 litres (80 US gal.) per minute.

Effective fire suppression methods are essential not only for protecting lives and property but also for minimizing environmental impacts, such as water contamination and the release of hazardous emissions. Given the varied nature of vehicle fires, fire services must have access to a range of firefighting tools and techniques to adapt to each unique scenario effectively.

Method

Cobra can serve as a complement in handling vehicle fires by offering an alternative extinguishing method. It enables firefighters to combat the fire with an efficient and controlled use of water, minimizing the risk of contaminated run-off water and enabling access to hard-to-reach areas, such as under the bonnet, without adding extra oxygen when opening.

Compared to traditional firefighting methods, which often require 300-400 litres (80-100 US gal.) of water per minute, Cobra operates with only 30-60 litres (8-16 US gal.) per minute, making it a sustainable choice. This controlled water application not only minimizes overall water consumption but also reduces the amount of contaminated runoff.

Cobra offers several advantages for firefighting, primarily by increasing firefighter safety, reducing water consumption, and providing the ability to reach fire sources that may otherwise be difficult to access. By decreasing the total amount of water used, Cobra contributes to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly firefighting process. However, it is essential to emphasize that Cobra is not a replacement for traditional extinguishing methods but a tool that can be used when conditions are suitable and in conjunction with other tools and tactics.

Cobra Benefits

Quick and easy access.

The equipment is light in weight and easy to handle, which enables rapid deployment and easy to move the lance where needed. The training programme that underpins Cobra gives fire crews the ability and confidence to deploy Cobra very quickly on arrival. In addition, Cobra can be used from any angle and to optimize effort the attachable lance extender can be used, a great way to access any fire that is placed in a tricky position.

Limits water damage.

Using traditional firefighting methods when fighting propagation in lithium-ion batteries uses a considerable amount of water, 450 litres per minute or more, and can result in significant water damage to the surroundings. Cobra uses up to 60 litres (16 US gal.) of water per minute, considerably less than traditional firefighting methods.

Limits water use.

As Cobra only uses up to 60 litres (16 US gal.) of water per minute, an 1,800 litre (475 US gal.) water tank will last 30 minutes if Cobra is used continuously.

Multi-functional tool.

Cobra can be used in several possible scenarios; it is not a specialist tool!

Cobra Benefits

• Quick to deploy and easy to handle
• Uses significantly less water
• Versatile in many fire scenarios

Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB). (2017). Brand i moderna bilar (Fire in Modern Vehicles). MSB. doi: MSB 1124