Should Sprinklers Be Installed in Garages & Car Parks?
Have you ever spotted a sprinkler system in a multi-storey car park? Probably not — and that’s because, under current Building Regulations in England and Wales, it’s not a legal requirement for enclosed multi-storey car parks to have this form of fire protection.
However, this is becoming an increasingly complex issue. While it’s not mandatory, the growing fire risks in the automotive world — coupled with recent real-life incidents — are encouraging developers to think differently.
The Growing Risks
Today, car parks typically rely on firewalls, fire doors, and ventilation systems as their main fire protection measures. Unfortunately, these aren’t always sufficient. The European Committee of Manufacturers of Fire Protection Equipment and Fire Fighting Vehicles (EUROFEU) has stated that while ventilation systems help with fire localisation, they cannot automatically extinguish or contain fires, nor effectively restrict smoke development.
At the same time, the risk of car fires has been increasing — not only due to more vehicles on the road, but also because of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). While the London Fire Brigade tackled only 54 EV fires in 2019 compared to nearly 1900 petrol and diesel car fires, the significantly lower number of EVs in circulation means the risk per vehicle is notably higher. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires that burn hotter, longer, and are more difficult to extinguish.
Major Incidents
One of the most notable car park fires in recent years occurred at the Kings Dock Car Park in Liverpool in 2017. The fire broke out during the Liverpool International Horse Show when the car park was nearly full. What began as a single car fire destroyed over 1,150 vehicles and led to the complete demolition of the structure. Thankfully, there was no loss of life — but it raised serious questions about car park fire safety and whether sprinklers could have changed the outcome.
Similar fires have been reported across the UK and Ireland, including incidents in Cork (2019), Manchester and Dublin (2008), Brent Cross (2007), and Bristol (2006). These events highlight the vulnerabilities of car parks without adequate fire suppression systems.
The Case for Sprinklers
Between 1994 and 2005, there were 162 reported car park fires in the UK where fire suppression systems were present. Automatic sprinklers successfully extinguished or contained at least 100 of these fires — a strong argument in favour of sprinkler use.
Following the Liverpool fire, Dan Stephens of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service stated, “I believe a sprinkler system would have suppressed the fire. It would definitely have given us a much better opportunity to put it out before it spread.” The Fire & Rescue Service’s official report added that “designers should seriously consider sprinkler provision to avoid multiple vehicle fires, resulting in huge insurable losses and possible loss of life.”
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) also supports greater use of automated water suppression systems, stating that sprinklers should be more widely installed across various building types, including housing for vulnerable persons, care facilities, high-rise accommodation, warehouses, factories, car parks, and waste facilities.
Our Position
At Eversafe Fire Protection, we specialise in fire protection systems including dry & wet risers and sprinkler systems. We’ve seen first-hand how the right system can mean the difference between minor damage and complete devastation.
We stand with the NFCC in advocating for the installation of sprinklers in car parks and garages. They’re proven to reduce risk, protect property, and most importantly — save lives.
For more information on sprinkler installation for multi-storey car parks or to discuss your fire protection needs, get in touch with Eversafe Fire Protection today.