Gwangjin-gu Installs Lithium Battery Fire Extinguishers at Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

18 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Equipped with 34 Class A and C Fire Extinguishers
Active Prevention of Electric Vehicle Accidents through Fire Extinguisher Usage and Fire Response Training

Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) will install 34 lithium battery-specific fire extinguishers at 18 electric vehicle charging stations in public facilities.

According to the district, about 1,400 electric vehicles are registered in Gwangjin-gu, and the number of electric vehicle charging facilities is increasing to 1,096 units. Recently, electric vehicle fire incidents have been continuously rising, and since the fires are not easily extinguished, they often lead to significant damage. It is now a time when attention and effort toward electric vehicle safety are necessary.

However, under current laws, there are no safety standards for the installation of firefighting equipment. Regulations on electric vehicle fire suppression methods and safety facility installation are also unclear. When a fire starts in an electric vehicle and spreads to the lithium battery, the temperature rapidly rises to 1,000 degrees Celsius due to the 'thermal runaway phenomenon,' requiring thorough preparation.

Accordingly, the district will proactively respond so that residents can take initial action in case of fire at electric vehicle charging stations. It plans to purchase 34 lithium battery-specific fire extinguishers for 18 public institutions and public parking lots where electric vehicle charging stations are installed in the area. By mid-June, it aims to equip liquid-type extinguishers that are non-conductive and suitable for Class A (ordinary fires) and Class C (electrical fires) to suppress fires in their early stages.

In addition, the district will provide guidance to electric vehicle charging facility managers on precautions for using charging stations, how to use fire extinguishers, and actions to take in case of fire, and will actively work on accident prevention through regular on-site inspections.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “Expanding electric vehicles is essential to respond to climate change and achieve carbon neutrality, so safety management must also be carefully considered,” adding, “We will continuously equip safety equipment and build infrastructure so that residents can use electric vehicles safely and conveniently.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.