Pohang City Establishes Comprehensive Measures for Electric Vehicle Fire Safety for Citizens

Pohang Mayor Lee Kangdeok Orders Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Safety Measures... Full Effort for Proactive Response

Electric Vehicle Fire Safety Task Force Formed, Emergency Safety Inspections to Be Conducted by End of This Month

Pohang City has proactively initiated comprehensive safety measures for electric vehicles to prevent accidents, following a series of large-scale electric vehicle-related fires in Incheon and other areas.

A 'smothering fire extinguisher' installed to prepare for electric vehicle fires was inspected on the 13th at the electric vehicle charging station in front of Pohang Baseball Stadium.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok of Pohang instructed relevant departments to thoroughly establish electric vehicle fire safety measures, as public anxiety has increased due to recent electric vehicle fires in apartment complexes in Incheon.

In response, the city has formed an 'Electric Vehicle Fire Safety Task Force' with departments related to fire safety, architecture, and electric vehicles, targeting charging facilities in approximately 240 complexes equipped with electric vehicle charging stations. An emergency safety inspection will be conducted by the end of this month.

The Task Force, led by the Director of the Job and Economy Bureau, includes the Battery Advanced Industry Division, Climate and Air Division, Apartment Housing Division, as well as the Southern and Northern Fire Departments, Coast Guard, charging service operators, and apartment representatives. This public-private partnership will conduct safety inspections and establish comprehensive countermeasures.

Previously, a fire in the underground parking lot of an apartment complex in Cheongna, Incheon caused significant property damage. Another fire occurred in a public parking tower in Geumsan, heightening residents' concerns and raising apprehension about the proliferation of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicle fires can be caused by various factors such as external impact, battery defects, and overcharging. However, due to the nature of electric vehicle fires, which often result in total loss, it is difficult to determine the exact cause.

According to experts, repeated overcharging close to full capacity is cited as a major cause. As a result, Seoul City is considering implementing a policy to limit electric vehicle charging rates to 90% in underground parking lots of apartment complexes.

Pohang City plans to focus its inspections on the continuous operation of sprinklers in underground apartment parking lots, the secured distance between evacuation facilities and electrical rooms, and the installation of safety equipment. Countermeasures will be developed through Task Force meetings.

In addition, in cooperation with North Gyeongsang Province, the city will revise the standard management regulations for apartment complexes to establish a charging limit of 90% or less and recommend the installation of charging facilities above ground.

To further promote the adoption of electric vehicles, Pohang City will enact relevant ordinances and introduce additional regulations to support the installation of fire safety equipment. Support for fire suppression equipment such as portable spraying devices, asphyxiation fire extinguishing foam, and immersion tanks will also be considered.

Due to difficulties in loading electric vehicles onto ships traveling between Pohang and Ulleungdo for safety reasons, Pohang City plans to work with the Pohang Coast Guard to proactively review and propose maritime transport safety measures for electric vehicles to the central government.

To prevent fires, the city will institutionalize joint fire drills with fire authorities and apartment complexes, and will regularly conduct special safety inspections, including electric vehicle fire evacuation drills and checks of fire safety facilities.

Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "As public concern over electric vehicle fires grows, we plan to inspect charging and safety facilities installed in apartment complexes and other locations. If administrative or financial support is required in the future, we will respond proactively and meticulously implement policies to promote the adoption of electric vehicles."