VIDEO: Some local firefighters now have new equipment to fight those difficult electric vehicle battery fires.
2 On Your Side followed up after a Congressional grant helped pay for this new system.
Doyle Hose No. 1 Fire Company Chief Don Szumigala says, “Electric car fire batteries pose a unique challenge for firefighters and they require special equipment.”
So with the use of a taxpayer supported Congressional grant through U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy’s office, Doyle Hose in Cheektowaga was able to purchase the BEST system device from the Rosenbauer America Corporation.
With water hoses attached, it can slide directly under a burning vehicle where the smoldering and even sometimes exploding lithium ion battery packs are placed in EVs.
Rosenbauer America Firefighting and Body Components Director Joe Caughey says it may resolve some complications including that under vehicle location.
