The Fire Department has expressed serious reservations about the installation of energy storage batteries inside homes, citing fire hazards and the difficulties in extinguishing such fires. Speaking on the “Alpha Kalimera” program, the Service’s Press Spokesperson, Andreas Kettis, explained the safety standards recommended by the Fire Department for both residential installations and electric vehicle chargers.
Referring to the batteries used to store energy from photovoltaic systems, Mr. Kettis noted that significant challenges remain in dealing with a potential fire. As he noted, even at the European level, the safest and fastest way to extinguish such batteries has not yet been determined, emphasizing that the Service’s priority is the protection of citizens.
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Regarding the installation of home batteries, the Fire Department recommends placing them in outdoor, appropriately designed areas and not inside homes or other enclosed spaces. “This installation should not take place indoors,” emphasized Mr. Kettis, clarifying that the batteries should be placed in a separate structure, isolated from the main building, with a fire resistance rating of at least one hour. At the same time, he recommends that the installation be located away from doors, windows, and flammable materials, and that it be protected from rain and direct sunlight.
He also made special mention of electric vehicle chargers, for which the Fire Department has formulated specific prevention recommendations. According to the Press Spokesperson, it is recommended that chargers be placed three meters away from building structures and five meters away from exit doors, so as not to obstruct escape routes in the event of a fire. At the same time, it is recommended that appropriate fire-fighting equipment be available, that adequate distances be maintained between chargers, and that restrictions be placed on their installation in underground parking garages beyond the first basement level.
Explaining the risks posed by a lithium-ion battery fire, Mr. Kettis pointed out that, in addition to the release of toxic substances, the intensity of the fire and the particular difficulty in extinguishing it are cause for concern. In fact, he warned of the risk of reignition even quite some time after the fire has initially been extinguished. “You may extinguish it, you may park the vehicle in a safe place, and yet it may reignite weeks later,” he noted.
In conclusion, the Fire Department’s Press Officer emphasized the need to take preventive measures to minimize risks to citizens and their property. As he explained, the Service’s relevant recommendations aim to establish safer conditions for the installation and operation of these systems, as the widespread adoption of this technology makes it necessary to strengthen fire safety measures.
