Fire Risk from Electrical Micro-Mobility Devices in Historic Buildings

The recent fire that damaged the Cathedral of Córdoba originated from equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries. The growing diffusion of equipment and vehicles powered by this type of battery is a reason for fire safety assessments. 

Therefore, while extensive attention has been given to traditional fire risks such as renovation activities, wildfires, and the structural/material vulnerabilities of heritage buildings, a new, under-addressed threat to historic buildings is emerging: the proliferation of lithium-ion battery-powered devices (such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and mobility aids) being stored, charged, or used within or adjacent to historic sites.

Increased visitor, staff, and resident mobility necessitates the introduction of e-mobility devices into cities and even sensitive sites. These devices are frequently stored or charged in historic interiors that may lack contemporary electrical protection.

Simultaneously, lithium-ion batteries pose significant fire risks, including fast developing thermal runaway, particularly in environments with limited compartmentation and inadequate detection and access measures.

Prevalent fire scenarios

The most prevalent fire scenario for this type of systems in civil (residential) premises, as historic buildings typically are, involves mall-powered devices such as e-bikes, scooters, laptops, smartphones, and power tools. These devices are often charged or immediately damaged or stored improperly.

The typical sequence of events in a battery fire involves the battery being overcharged, physically damaged, stored in a hot or humid environment, or charged with an improper or counterfeit charger. 

Internal cell damage, electrical malfunctions and thermal runaway cause rapid heating and the release of flammable gases. Consequently, the battery either explodes or catches fire, rapidly spreading flames and toxic smoke, often with minimal warning.

Common causes

Common causes of battery fires include overcharging or using faulty chargers, physical damage from impact, puncture, or crushing, improper storage near heat sources or confined, poorly ventilated spaces, and the use of non-certified or counterfeit batteries and chargers.

In risk assessment, devices most involved must also be considered. E-bikes and scooters, particularly when batteries are charged indoors or with non-original equipment, can pose a significant risk. Additionally, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets are often left plugged in overnight or charged in unsafe environments. Power tools and similar household electronics should also be taken into account.

Risk factors

The primary risk factors are the high concentration of battery-powered devices in confined spaces, such as apartments, dormitories, or shared basements. This poses a risk because of the lack of adherence to manufacturer guidelines for charging and storage, as well as the unawareness of early warning signs, such as swelling, leakage, or unusual odours from batteries.

Regulatory gaps persist. In fact, aside from the performance-based approach (e.g., fire safety engineering), which prioritises the consideration of every significant risk factor, prescriptive-based regulations present a complex situation.

There are currently no fully harmonised global standards specifically dedicated to electric vehicle (EV) fire risk and mitigation in civil buildings. However, there are various national, regional, and industry rules that address EV-related fire safety and provide technical guidance and mandates for buildings such as car parks, residential blocks, and commercial premises. Key International and Regional Standards include:

– NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) and NFPA 88A (Standard for Parking Structures). This standards cover electrical safety and fire protection guidelines for EV charging systems and parking structures, including requirements for listing (e.g., UL 2202) and installation of fire detection and suppression equipment in parking garages with EV charging. 

– Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe (CFPA-E) “Guideline No. 44 – Fire safety recommendations for electric vehicles” (2025). The guideline outlines requirements for regular inspection of EV fire safety systems, integration of fire-resistant building components, ventilation for toxic gases, and special signage in buildings hosting EVs and charging stations.

– Regional building codes in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom now frequently mandate fire-resistant materials, controlled ventilation, and emergency shutdown systems for charging stations in new car parks and multi-residential buildings.

Common safety measures

Safety measures that are commonly mandated or recommended include:

• Fire-resistant construction: Separation barriers, sprinkler coverage, and fire walls in car parks and storage areas for EVs.
• Ventilation systems: To disperse toxic fumes generated by thermal runaway or incomplete combustion of batteries.
• Detection and suppression: Heat/gas detection cameras, fire suppression systems specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires, and fast-action emergency shutdown features for charging units.
•  Installations and layouts: Placement of EV charging stations away from critical escape routes and mass accumulation, collision protection, and strategic ventilation/exhaust placement.
• Emergency responder training: Specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools for handling EV battery fires, as well as strategies for containment and post-fire management.
• Compliant equipment: Use of certified, compliant chargers (e.g., UL/IEC-certified), installed and regularly maintained by professionals.

Most national and regional codes are being updated to address the increasing adoption of electric vehicles. For the purposes of civil and historic buildings, the CFPA-E guideline and evolving European building codes are likely the most directly applicable sources for current best practice recommendations.

Prevention and policy measures include visitor/staff awareness, possible bans or containment facilities and retrofitting legacy electrical systems for modern loads

In conclusion, despite the frequent media coverage of lithium-ion battery fires, the intersection of micro-mobility device risk and cultural heritage fire safety remains largely undocumented in academic and professional circles.