A fire truck designed for electric vehicle blazes

Hiload RIV can drive into multi-storey and underground car parks

The Cobra Cut fire fighting system in action

The Cobra Cut fire fighting system in action

The growing number of electric vehicles on the roads may be considered good for the environment, but it is causing concern among fire fighters.

Although electric vehicles are statistically less likely to catch fire than an internal combustion engine car, incidents involving a lithium-ion battery can be far more serious and difficult to extinguish – especially if in an enclosed space such as an underground or multi-storey car park which large fire engines cannot access.

Once a battery pack...