The New Standard
for Parking Structures:
NFPA 88A

Parking Structures

A new NFPA standard for
parking structures is paving the way
for fire protection solutions that prevent
injuries, damage and loss

As automotive manufacturers are opting for more complex synthetic plastics and rubbers, lightweight flammable metals, and green energy solutions like lithium-ion batteries, parking structures are adapting to new fire protection requirements. Many lot owners are adding electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels to meet these modern needs.

These changes in production help push us toward a brighter future, but they come at a cost – a cost worth making. Investing in a robust sprinkler system that complies with NFPA standards is essential for protecting occupants, employees, and first responders while reducing potential hazards.

In the last two years, significant changes were made to NFPA 88A and NFPA 13 to enhance fire protection in parking garages.

NFPA 88A

STANDARD FOR PARKING STRUCTURES

“This standard covers the construction and protection of, as well as the control of hazards in, open and enclosed parking structures, including automated-type parking structures, other than those within one and two-family dwellings.” The 2023 edition of NFPA 88A requires all parking garages to have sprinkler systems installed according to NFPA 13 guidelines.

Previously, sprinkler systems were not mandatory in open parking structures, making this a significant update to parking structure fire protection.

NFPA 13

STANDARD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

“The industry benchmark for design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems, NFPA 13 addresses sprinkler system design approaches, system installation, and component options to prevent fire deaths and property loss.” The 2022 edition of NFPA 13 increased the recommended hazard classification for automobile parking structures from Ordinary Hazard Group 1 to Ordinary Hazard Group 2.

This update reflects the growing need for advanced protection for modern vehicle technologies.

TIMELY FIRE PROTECTION MATTERS
MORE THAN EVER

First responders in metro areas
like LA and NYC struggle to keep
up with the demands of servicing rising
populations with limited resources

Many lot owners use a bare-bones approach when it comes to fire safety. They utilize only 1-5 fire extinguishers, expecting this to be enough until the local fire department arrives at the facility. However, recent data from the LAFD and FDNY suggests that response times are only increasing for fire and medical emergencies. It has never been more important to prioritize fixed fire protection to prevent catastrophic loss.

An LAFD paramedic explains: “Our staffing levels have decreased over the years. Our call volume has more than doubled. We’re running around 2,000 calls a day from about 1,000 when I first started. Our number of fire stations has not increased.” “It happens every day,” he said. “You guys don’t ever hear about it. We don’t go public with it, but it’s on a constant basis. Our average response time should be anywhere from three to four minutes; 10 minutes, you’re lucky. Fifteen is common, and 20 is going to be the norm.”

A similar struggle is unfolding on the east coast: “For a second consecutive year, New York City first responders took longer to get to fires and other medical emergencies — and more people died in blazes. Combined response times by FDNY ambulances and fire companies to “life-threatening medical emergencies” were up 20 seconds on average during the fiscal year ending June 30 – or 3.5% – to 9 minutes and 50 seconds compared to the previous 12 months, according to the Fiscal 2023 Mayor’s Management Report. Fire deaths involving civilians jumped by 10.8%, from 92 to 102, the report found.”

THE LUTON AIRPORT FIRE

A wake-up call for
parking structure
fire safety

When parking structure fire protection is left on the back burner, even a small fire can quickly escalate and lead to devastating damage.

Much like first responders in the United States, crews in London are faced with growing population pressures. Over the last 40 years, London’s population has surged by 43.6%, more than double New York City’s population growth during the same period.

The risks in parking structures are heightened with the rise in lithium-ion battery fires. Zurich Insurance Group reported a 150% increase in these fires in London over the last year.

These incidents are not limited to electric vehicles but extend to e-bikes, portable devices, and other battery-powered equipment. Modern vehicles contain combustible metals – titanium, magnesium, and aluminum – along with larger fuel reserves compared to older models. These factors increase the fire hazards in enclosed and open parking garages.

The New York Times documented a recent fire that spread through a brand-new parking structure at Luton Airport. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed 15 fire trucks and over 100 firefighters from Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, and London were sent to the blaze.

This emergency led to

1. The hospitalization of six firefighters due to smoke inhalation.
2. The hospitalization of one civilian due to smoke inhalation.
3. A partial structural collapse at Terminal Car Park 2.
4. An estimated 1,200 damaged vehicles.
5. Suspended flights at Luton Airport until 3 PM Wednesday.

The Luton Airport was not fitted with a sprinkler system, highlighting the need for compliant fire extinguishing systems in high-risk areas.

Investing in Fire Protection for Parking Structures

The best time to prioritize
fire protection in parking
structures was 20 years ago –
the second best time is now.

With the increased use of high-hazard materials, it’s essential to invest in a comprehensive, multi-class fire suppression system designed for today’s risks. An eco-friendly fire protection solution like a 3% F-500 Encapsulator Agent can provide peace of mind by knowing your parking structure is equipped to handle these complex fires.

In September 2023, a pioneering fire protection system was successfully certified by the international inspection, testing, and certification company Applus+. Specifically developed to protect against fires involving internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid, and electric vehicles in enclosed or underground structures, this certified system marks a significant advancement in fire suppression technology.

PROTECTION FOR ICE, HYBRID & EV FIRES

F-500 EA EXTINGUISHED
THE FIRE AND PREVENTED
FIRE SPREAD TO ANY OTHER VEHICLES

The success of this advanced system is attributed to the use of F-500 Encapsulator Agent and the Diamond Doser admixing system – a water-driven proportioner engineered to work hand-in-hand with Encapsulator Technology. This innovative technology allows us to design an extremely efficient and targeted fire protection system that addresses the unique hazards of fires involving hybrid and electric vehicles.

During a groundbreaking certification test in Spain, two vehicles were parked side-by-side along an evacuation corridor to accurately depict typical conditions in an underground parking garage. The lithium-ion battery attached to one vehicle was driven into thermal runaway to simulate an electric vehicle fire.

A deluge nozzle sprinkler system, equipped with our Diamond Doser, deployed a 3% F-500 Encapsulator Agent solution, successfully containing the fire in 10 minutes and significantly suppressing the blaze within 20 minutes – without any manual intervention.

Prioritizing Fire Protection

Without adequate fire protection,
your facility could suffer various
consequences in addition to a
loss of life and property damage.

1. Fines from a local governing body.
2. Higher insurance premiums, penalties, and refused coverage.
3. A significant loss of revenue during the period of re-building.
4. An irreparable reputation.

The Diamond Doser is a water-driven proportioner specifically designed to dose F-500 EA concentrate directly into your sprinkler system’s water stream. Unlike incipient fires that involve organic materials and take several minutes to spread, the fires industrial facilities face today contain flammable, explosive, and toxic vapors that can cause rapid fire spread.

The complete Diamond Doser system offers unmatched fire protection for parking garages and provides benefits that go beyond standard sprinkler systems. When every second counts, water alone is not enough.

Versatility

An engineered system designed to work hand-in-hand with NFPA 18A-recognized Encapsulator Technology, allowing for:

1. Class A Fire Protection
2. Class B Fire Protection (Polar/Non-polar/Three-dimensional)
3. Energized Environment Fire Protection
4. Class D Fire Protection
5. Lithium Ion Battery Fire Protection

Continuity

An uninterrupted system as long as water and concentrate are available. If the tank is depleted, the concentrate can flow continually from a separate drum or tote.

Consistency

A system that is always predictable, producing a solution with a consistent ratio that doesn’t fluctuate if additional sprinkler heads open at your facility.

Simplicity

Installation, operation, and maintenance are simple. The system is driven by water flow alone with no need for constant calibration or pressure balancing.

Efficiency

A flexible system with a wide pressure range of 2-12 or 2-16 bar that automatically corrects admixture accordingly. Testing is convenient, producing no agent waste.

Affordability

Instant savings on system installation as well as retaining thousands over time through effective fire suppression and economical annual NFPA-mandated testing.

Eco-friendly

A fluorine-free, biodegradable, and non-corrosive solution that avoids unexpected system discharges, contamination, and disposal costs.