Jeonbuk Fire Department and Jeonbuk Development Corporation Join Hands for Underground Electric Vehicle Fire Safety

Support for Policies Expanding Electric Vehicle Adoption and Charging Infrastructure

The Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters (Chief Jung Nak-do) and Jeonbuk Development Corporation (President Choi Jeong-ho) have joined hands for a 'Pilot Project to Install Fire Safety Facilities in Underground Electric Vehicle Charging Zones.'

According to Jeonbuk Fire on the 27th, this agreement supports the government's comprehensive policy to promote electric vehicle adoption and expand charging infrastructure. The number of electric vehicles was 1,841 in 2019. Last year, the number surged to 19,795 in the province and 543,900 nationwide.

With mandatory installation of charging facilities in key locations such as apartment complexes and subsidies for private installations, 10,012 units are currently operated within the province, showing a continuous upward trend.

On the 27th, Jeonbuk Fire Department and Jeonbuk Development Corporation signed a business agreement to strengthen fire safety management in underground electric vehicle charging areas.
[Photo by Jeonbuk Fire Department]

Unlike internal combustion vehicles, electric vehicles are difficult to extinguish once a fire occurs due to battery thermal runaway phenomena, and if a fire breaks out in an underground charging zone, early suppression is challenging with existing firefighting tactics. Fire spread can lead to large-scale casualties.

The countermeasure is to install underground charging facilities above ground first. For locations where above-ground installation or relocation is impossible, efforts must be made to install fire safety facilities around the charging zones.

The agreement is part of the 'Cooperation to Strengthen Fire Safety in Underground Electric Vehicle Charging Zones,' aiming to proactively secure the safety of residents against electric vehicle fires.

According to the agreement, Jeonbuk Development Corporation will fully cover the costs by May for one apartment complex under its management where relocation of charging facilities above ground is not possible, installing six types of fire safety facilities including firewalls.

The Fire Headquarters will provide technical support for the installed fire safety facilities and support firefighting training such as fire response procedures in electric vehicle charging zones.

Both organizations will analyze the results of the pilot project, finalize the types, installation standards, and methods of fire safety facilities in underground charging zones, and continue joint cooperation to strengthen electric vehicle fire safety management.

Choi Jeong-ho, President of Jeonbuk Development Corporation, said, "We are pleased to lead the installation of fire safety facilities in apartment complexes and provide safety and happiness to residents," adding, "We will work with Jeonbuk Fire to create a safe residential environment."

Jung Nak-dong, Chief of the Fire Headquarters, said, "We are honored to proactively conduct the pilot project to install fire safety facilities in underground electric vehicle charging zones in partnership with Jeonbuk Development Corporation," and added, "We will continue efforts in fire safety management so that residents can use electric vehicles without anxiety."