Webinar seeks to explain why EV parking garages pose unique fire safety challenges
Iain Hoey
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Euralarm to hold webinar on EV fire safety
Euralarm has announced a webinar on fire safety in electric vehicle parking garages to take place on 14 October.
According to Euralarm, the session will review fire risks linked to EVs, the differences between electric and combustion vehicles, and measures that can help mitigate incidents in enclosed parking environments.
The organisation explained that electric vehicle design creates barriers to delivering extinguishing agents to battery cells, making thermal runaway events difficult to contain once started.
It stated that the session will be led by Gerd Hülsen, Vice Chair of the Euralarm Extinguishing Section, and will focus on practical steps to address identified challenges.
The group added that the event will be relevant to both technical specialists and decision makers at local, national and European levels.
Focus on thermal battery risks
Euralarm reported that thermal runaway inside traction batteries is one of the most difficult aspects of EV fire safety.
It explained that while EV battery enclosures protect against water spray, weather and impacts during normal use, these same protections create obstacles to applying extinguishing media during a fire.
The organisation advised that once cells enter runaway, it is extremely challenging to stop the process or prevent propagation between cells.
It added that this creates risks that differ from those typically encountered in internal combustion engine vehicles.
The body confirmed that these topics will form part of the October session.
Comparing EVs and combustion vehicles
Euralarm outlined that the webinar will review differences in fire behaviour between EVs and conventional combustion engine cars.
It said that combustion vehicles present known risks based on liquid fuel ignition, whereas EVs involve battery-specific dynamics that require different strategies.
The organisation noted that the event will provide context on how both vehicle types can behave during a fire in parking garages.
It added that the comparison aims to clarify where additional measures may be necessary in EV contexts.
The group confirmed that safety measures for both categories will be considered.
Target audience for the session
Euralarm explained that the webinar is intended for a wide audience of stakeholders.
It reported that fire safety professionals, parking facility operators, and facility managers are among the key groups expected to benefit.
It added that policymakers and regulators at municipal, national and EU levels may also find the information relevant.
The organisation stated that technology specialists, system integrators and installers will also be addressed.
The body noted that the session is positioned to provide factual information for varied professional needs.
Presentation and content
Euralarm confirmed that the webinar will be presented by Gerd Hülsen.
It said Hülsen will outline factual information on fire risks of EVs in parking facilities in comparison with other vehicles.
The organisation explained that the session will guide participants through available solutions and mitigation measures.
It added that the agenda includes fire behaviour discussions and safety measures relevant to both electric and combustion vehicle categories.
The body indicated that the information will be structured to support technical understanding and operational decision making.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Fire safety professionals will receive technical insights on challenges specific to EV incidents in enclosed parking structures.
The session will provide comparative data on electric and combustion vehicle fire behaviours.
It will also set out mitigation measures that can be applied in operational and regulatory contexts.
Professionals may find the information relevant for designing, managing, or regulating parking facilities with growing EV use.
Fire safety webinar to examine EV parking garage risks: Summary
Euralarm will hold a webinar on fire safety in electric vehicle parking garages on 14 October.
The webinar will focus on fire risks linked to EV traction batteries.
Euralarm explained that battery design makes extinguishment during thermal runaway difficult.
The group added that the webinar will compare EV and combustion vehicle fire risks.
It confirmed that solutions and mitigation measures will be discussed.
The session will be presented by Gerd Hülsen, Vice Chair of the Euralarm Extinguishing Section.
It is intended for fire safety professionals, parking facility operators, facility managers, policymakers, and system integrators.
The organisation reported that the content will provide factual information for operational and regulatory use.
The group advised that the webinar will take place online.
It added that participants will receive structured technical guidance.