Busan Urban Corporation Takes Proactive Measures Against Electric Vehicle Fires in Apartment Complexes... Installs Advanced Equipment

Introduction of Thermal Imaging CCTV... Early Fire Response

To Be Installed in Eco Delta City and Ilgwang District

Busan Metropolitan Corporation (BMC, President Kim Yonghak) is introducing advanced equipment in apartment complexes to proactively respond to electric vehicle fires.

On the 4th, the corporation announced that it will install fire response and spread prevention systems at electric vehicle parking and charging facilities in apartment complexes currently under construction, including the Eco Delta City 12 and 15BL private participation public housing projects.

Currently, apartment complex parking lots are required to install electric vehicle charging facilities in accordance with the Eco-Friendly Vehicle Act and the revised Busan City Ordinance.

With the establishment of fire safety guidelines for dedicated parking zones, fire safety performance standards are also being strengthened. As a result, the need for equipment that can detect fires caused by electric vehicles at an early stage and minimize damage when they occur is increasing to ensure the safety of residents.

As the adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly increasing, the number of related fire incidents is also rising. Major causes of these fires include battery defects, overcharging, and mechanical failures due to external impacts during parking or charging of electric vehicles.

Accordingly, BMC plans to install thermal imaging CCTV systems capable of real-time temperature monitoring at electric vehicle parking and charging facilities.

In addition, in the dedicated electric vehicle parking zones within underground parking lots, the corporation aims to prevent the spread of fire and minimize damage by enhancing sprinkler functions, installing drainage outlets and waterproof equipment boxes, and providing fire suppression blankets.

A BMC official stated that the thermal imaging CCTV system can deliver alerts and alarm signals to the security and disaster prevention rooms when the temperature of the monitored area rises above a certain level, enabling proactive evacuation of residents before a fire occurs and significantly improving fire prevention.

Kim Yonghak, President of Busan Metropolitan Corporation, said, "If a fire caused by an electric vehicle occurs in an apartment complex, it can lead to tremendous human and material losses, so it is essential to have the capabilities and facilities to prevent such incidents," adding, "We will make multifaceted efforts to provide a safe and pleasant environment free from fire hazards."