40 Seoul firefighters, fire investigators take part

Hands-on drills cover high-voltage system shutdown, battery fire response

Participants also experience EV driving characteristics firsthand

Seoul-area firefighters participate in an electric vehicle fire and rescue training session at the BMW Driving Center on Yeongjongdo Island in Incheon on May 29. [BMW Group Korea]
Seoul-area firefighters participate in an electric vehicle fire and rescue training session at the BMW Driving Center on Yeongjongdo Island in Incheon on May 29. [BMW Group Korea]

BMW Group Korea has conducted electric vehicle fire and rescue response training for Seoul-area firefighters, aiming to help first responders better understand high-voltage battery systems and vehicle structures as electric vehicles become more widespread.

The company announced Monday that it held the training session for 40 Seoul-area firefighters and fire investigators at the BMW Driving Center on Yeongjongdo Island in Incheon on May 29.

The session focused on building safe response capabilities at electric vehicle fire and accident scenes. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles incorporate high-voltage battery and electrical systems, making a thorough understanding of vehicle characteristics essential during rescue and firefighting operations.

Participants received theoretical instruction on basic electric vehicle structure and high-voltage systems using BMW and MINI electric models. The curriculum also covered how to detect signs of battery fires, in-vehicle alert systems, and the response procedures BMW applies when fire warning signs appear.

A special training session developed in partnership with the Korea Automobile Testing and Research Institute was introduced for the first time, deepening the program's technical expertise and providing more detailed response procedures that participants can apply in the field.

During hands-on drills, participants practiced high-voltage system shutdown procedures and accident response protocols. Firefighters examined actual vehicles to identify key component locations and vehicle structure, and reviewed the checks required during rescue operations and fire response situations.

A driving experience using fully electric models was also held on the BMW Driving Center's track. Participants experienced electric vehicle control systems and driving characteristics under various conditions — braking, steering and acceleration. They also observed how weight distribution and regenerative braking affect vehicle behavior and safety.

BMW Group Korea has maintained an ongoing partnership with the fire safety sector. Last year, it held driving training for emergency medical technicians from Incheon-area fire stations at the BMW Driving Center on Yeongjongdo Island. This year, it conducted electric vehicle fire response and fire safety training for Incheon-area firefighters, and supplied training vehicles for an "EV Safe Rescue Seminar for Firefighters" organized by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority in Jeju.

Equipment support has accompanied these programs. BMW Group Korea donated 1,150 vehicle-mounted refrigerator-warmer units to the National Fire Agency for use at fire suppression and emergency response scenes nationwide. Last month, it donated two BMW iX1 vehicles to the Incheon Fire Headquarters for fire operations support, and extended the free consumables replacement period indefinitely for seven BMW X5 vehicles previously donated to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Fire and Disaster Headquarters.

BMW Group Korea has also extended its disaster relief and community support efforts more broadly. Last year, the company donated 500 million won (about $333,000) to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to support recovery from large-scale wildfires that swept the country in March.


kwater@heraldcorp.com