Inside the debate on EV indoor parking and charging fires

Fire safety for EV indoor parking facilities

Euralarm has published the recording of its recent webinar on fire safety for electric vehicles (EVs) in indoor parking and charging facilities.

The session aimed to clarify common misconceptions about EV fire risks and present practical approaches to fire protection in mixed-vehicle parking environments.

The European association said the webinar, hosted by its Extinguishing Section, provided factual comparisons between electric and combustion vehicle fire behaviour.

Speakers discussed the fire load of modern vehicles, thermal runaway in battery cells, and specific risks associated with charging infrastructure.

The event featured contributions from Kurt Hilen, Vice Chair of Euralarm’s Extinguishing Section, who helped develop the association’s guidance paper on EV fire safety in parking and charging facilities.

Myths and facts on EV fire risk

According to Euralarm, public perception often overstates the likelihood of EV fires compared with traditional vehicles.

The association presented data showing hybrid vehicles experience the highest fire frequency, while battery electric vehicles have a lower fire incident rate than combustion-engine vehicles.

Euralarm explained that total vehicle fire load depends largely on plastics and tyres rather than power source, with both electric and conventional vehicles presenting comparable fire loads.

Hilen said: “Battery electric vehicles do not catch fire more often than vehicles with internal combustion engines.”

He added that EV fires are extinguishable but require adapted methods due to battery design and positioning.

Fire safety challenges in parking environments

Euralarm highlighted that increasing vehicle size, plastic content and limited access in multi-storey or underground car parks complicate firefighting operations.

The association noted that confined ventilation and closely parked vehicles can accelerate fire spread and obstruct evacuation.

It described phenomena such as thermal runaway, toxic gas release and stranded energy as unique challenges that demand longer firefighting efforts and higher water volumes.

During charging, faulty installations, damaged cables or inadequate maintenance can act as ignition sources.

Euralarm said charging zones should therefore be prioritised for proactive fire protection and regular inspection.

Recommended protection measures and design priorities

The webinar outlined that the primary objectives in parking facility fire safety remain life protection, safe evacuation and structural stability.

A holistic strategy combining preventive, technical and organisational measures was presented.

These include correct installation and maintenance of charging systems, automatic fire detection, water-based suppression, emergency shut-offs and smoke extraction systems.

Hilen explained that automatic detection and suppression systems, when integrated, can prevent spread between vehicles and support firefighter access.

He said: “Each of these elements plays an important role, but only their integration provides truly effective fire protection.”

Focus areas for future implementation

Euralarm concluded that fire protection requirements for parking areas are evolving as vehicle technology advances.

The organisation advised that automatic fire detection should be considered a basic standard in every parking garage.

Resources, it said, should be prioritised for charging areas where vehicle density and electrical risk are greatest.

The full webinar recording and Euralarm’s guidance paper on fire safety for electric vehicles in parking and charging facilities are now available online.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development is relevant for fire engineers, building designers, facility managers, fire protection contractors and regulatory authorities.

The findings address design and operational issues specific to mixed-vehicle parking environments, particularly in enclosed or multi-storey structures.

The guidance supports updated risk assessments, system integration and compliance planning for facilities incorporating EV charging infrastructure.

It also reinforces the need for regular maintenance and inspection of charging installations to prevent electrical faults.

For system specifiers and installers, the emphasis on early detection, water-based suppression and integrated safety controls provides actionable reference points for upgrading protection systems.

This article was informed by information from the following sou