As more and more electric vehicles hit the road, first responders are preparing to adapt to the unique emergencies the new technology could bring.
Huntington firefighters had the opportunity on Thursday to get hands-on training in this and became the first career department in the country to do so with West Virginia University's unique program in high demand.
This was led by the WVU Fire Service Extension, which took lithium AA batteries and lit them on fire to give firefighters a taste of the punch these kinds of batteries can pack.
“At this moment, this technology is on the road," instructor Tim Miller said. "And we as first responders have to be prepared to deal with the threats posed by this technology."
Lithium ion batteries that ignite can create a spark effect, shoot out shrapnel and give off toxic gases.