EV Fire Risks in Confined Spaces: Below Grade Parking Garages
EV Fire Risks in Confined Spaces: Below Grade Parking Garages
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly common, but their rise brings a heightened awareness of fire risks, particularly in confined spaces such as underground parking garages. These environments present unique challenges due to their limited access, ventilation issues, and potential for rapid fire spread. Adding to the complexity, underground garages of buildings often house critical infrastructure like fire pumps rooms, sprinkler rooms, and emergency power generator rooms.
Recent incidents highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to manage and mitigate EV fire risks in these settings. For building owners, it’s vital to have documented evidence showing that they have considered these risks as part of their EV implementation plans.
The Seoul Incident: A Wake-Up Call
Starting at the end of September 2024, EV owners in Seoul, Korea, will have new requirements; one of them is to ensure their vehicle batteries are charged to no more than 90% capacity before accessing parking garages. This new regulation, among many others, comes in the wake of a major fire that broke out in a parking garage, resulting in over 100 vehicles being damaged.
The fire, triggered by an EV, spread rapidly throughout the confined space, demonstrating the unique risks in underground settings. The intense heat, toxic smoke, and difficulties in accessing the fire due to the garage’s layout underscored the need for more robust fire prevention and emergency response strategies. Korea is launching other rules and regulations to support these learnings.
Understanding the Risks in Confined Spaces
Underground parking garages pose specific challenges when it comes to EV fires:
Limited Access and Egress: Confined spaces like parking garages often have restricted entry and exit points, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach the fire and safely evacuate occupants.
Ventilation Issues: Proper ventilation is essential to manage smoke and toxic gases during a fire. However, underground garages typically have poor ventilation, allowing hazardous fumes to accumulate and reducing visibility for both occupants and first responders.
Critical Infrastructure at Risk: Parking garages often provide an access way to critical infrastructure rooms such as fire pumps and emergency power generators. A fire in a building’s underground can further complicate firefighting efforts.
New Regulations: Will They Make a Difference?
The new requirement in Seoul to limit EV battery charging to 90% capacity aims to reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway, which can occur when batteries overheat or are overcharged. While this measure is a proactive step, there is limited research to suggest it will significantly impact the risks in underground garages. The regulation does highlight, however, the ongoing debate and the need for further research into how best to manage these risks.
Lessons for Building Owners and Facility Managers
For building owners and facility managers, these incidents should serve as a reminder to reassess fire risk management plans in light of the growing presence of EVs. It’s essential for building owners to have documented evidence that they have evaluated the specific risks associated with EVs in confined spaces. This should be a key part of any EV implementation plan, covering everything from charging infrastructure to emergency response protocols.
The Path Forward
The debate and learning’s continue, but what’s clear is that as electric vehicles become more common, building owners and city planners must stay ahead of the curve in addressing the unique fire risks they bring.
National Life Safety Group is a leading integrator of Fire, Safety, and Emergency Management training and consulting services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we deliver tailored solutions to organizations across critical infrastructure, commercial & Residential real estate, industrial, manufacturing, and other sectors. Our mission is to empower teams with the knowledge and confidence to protect lives, assets, and operations in an ever-evolving risk landscape. www.nationallifesafetygroup.ca