An electric vehicle erupted in flames at a busy intersection in Irvine, California, on Saturday, April 11, footage shows.

The Orange County Fire Authority said it was called to the blaze, describing these incidents as “extremely challenging due to the intense heat and risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.”

Footage shared by the emergency service shows the flames engulfing the car and smoke billowing from the scene. Firefighters are also seen deploying the Cobra water piercing nozzle.

“The Cobra uses a high-pressure water stream and aggregate to penetrate vehicle materials and deliver cooling water directly into battery compartments or other inaccessible areas,” the authority said.

“This allows us to quickly reduce heat, slow thermal runaway, and limit fire spread—while keeping our firefighters in a safer position away from the danger zone.” Credit: Orange County Fire Authority via Storyful