EV Fire Safety for Local Councils & Government
As councils electrify their fleets and expand public charging infrastructure, fire safety must be part of the plan from day one. We're listed on buy.nsw for government procurement and can help you meet your obligations.
attended by FRNSW in 2024/25
lithium fires in 2025
in first 11 months of 2025
in 2024 — worst year on record
Fire Safety Obligations for Government EV Infrastructure
Local councils and government agencies are at the forefront of Australia's EV transition — electrifying fleets, installing public charging stations, and managing public car parks where EVs are parked and charged. With that leadership comes a responsibility to get fire safety right.
Public Charging Infrastructure
Council-owned or managed public EV charging stations require fire safety planning. This includes appropriate fire suppression equipment near charging bays, signage for emergency responders, and integration with existing public car park fire safety systems. The ABCB advisory note on EV charger installation in buildings provides relevant guidance.
Council Fleet Electrification
As council fleets transition from petrol and diesel to electric — passenger vehicles, maintenance trucks, waste collection vehicles — depot fire safety plans must be updated. This includes risk assessment of charging infrastructure, overnight charging procedures, and staff training on EV-specific fire emergencies.
Government Procurement via buy.nsw
EV Fire Solutions is listed on buy.nsw for government procurement, making it easy for NSW government agencies and councils to purchase fire safety equipment through approved procurement channels. This simplifies your purchasing process and ensures compliance with government procurement policies.
Public Car Park Fire Safety
Council-managed public car parks with EV charging bays require updated fire safety measures. This includes fire blankets and specialised extinguishers near EV-designated bays, updated block plans identifying charging locations, and signage guiding emergency responders to electrical shutoffs.
State Fire Safety Guidelines
Each state has specific fire safety guidelines that apply to public infrastructure. NSW Fair Trading introduced mandatory safety standards for e-micromobility devices in 2025, and the ACT requires Special Hazard Reports for buildings with EV charging. Councils should ensure their fire safety measures meet or exceed their state's current requirements.
Community Education Role
Councils play a key role in community fire safety education. With the average Australian household now containing 33 lithium-ion battery devices, councils can support community safety through public education campaigns, safe battery disposal programs, and ensuring public facilities model best-practice fire safety.
Why Standard Fire Systems Aren't Enough
Public EV charging infrastructure and council fleet depots face the same thermal runaway risks as private facilities — but with the added responsibility of public safety. Standard fire systems in council car parks and depots were not designed for lithium-ion battery fires.
Extreme Temperatures
Thermal runaway exceeds 1,000°C — far beyond what standard sprinkler systems are designed to suppress.
Toxic Gas Production
Hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and other lethal gases are produced — a critical danger in enclosed spaces.
Cell-to-Cell Spread
Thermal runaway cascades from cell to cell within the battery pack, causing prolonged and intensifying burning.
Standard Extinguishers Fail
Water, foam, CO₂, and dry powder extinguishers are ineffective at the cellular level of a lithium-ion fire.
48-Hour Reignition Risk
A fire that appears extinguished can reignite up to 48 hours later as cells continue to thermally decompose.
Massive Water Demand
Firefighters may need 30,000+ litres of water to cool an EV battery fire — a major challenge in enclosed facilities.
Recommended for Government Fire Safety Package
For councils and government agencies managing public charging infrastructure and electrifying their fleets, we recommend a comprehensive fire safety package.
Government EV Fire Safety Package
EV Fire Blankets
For public car parks with EV charging, fire blankets stored in clearly marked cabinets near charging bays allow council staff, security, or first responders to quickly contain a vehicle fire. Recommendation: one blanket per public charging location or per 50 EV-designated spaces.
Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguisher
Specialised extinguishers mounted at public charging stations and council fleet depot charging bays. These suppress lithium-ion thermal runaway at the cellular level — providing critical first-response capability before fire services arrive.
Signage, Block Plans & Emergency Planning
Updated block plans for all council facilities with EV charging infrastructure. Clear signage at public charging stations identifying fire equipment locations and emergency shutoffs. Updated emergency response plans covering EV-specific fire scenarios.
Procurement via buy.nsw
All our products are available through buy.nsw government procurement channels. We can provide quotes formatted for government purchasing requirements and support your procurement team through the process.
Every Situation Is Different
Every council and government facility is different. Whether you're installing public charging infrastructure, electrifying your fleet, or managing EV bays in council car parks — we can help you assess your fire safety needs.
sales@evfiresolutions.com.au Get in Touch