FIRE SHOKA DOME: 117-point water fire-containment system for parking garages
Japan’s TCL has developed a fire-resistant dome for parking garages that encloses a burning vehicle and sprays water from 117 points, with material tested up to 1400 °C.
A burning vehicle can be completely enclosed in a fire-resistant dome within seconds, after which water is delivered inside from 117 points at once. Japan’s TCL developed FIRE SHOKA DOME primarily for underground and multistorey parking garages, where fire engines may struggle to get close to the vehicle itself. Its public debut is scheduled for RISCON TOKYO from September 30 to October 2.
The enclosure uses a high-silica material with a stated 96% figure and a stainless-steel frame. The manufacturer says the material was tested at 1300 °C by an internationally recognized testing organization and also passed its own test at 1400 °C. Water is supplied through 117 points positioned above and below the vehicle, and the system can be connected to a fire engine or a fixed hydrant. On a separate product page, TCL says the car can be fully covered in under 10 seconds.
There is, however, an important caveat to the idea of smothering a fire. Restricting oxygen can reduce open flames in a conventional vehicle fire. But if thermal runaway has started in an electric vehicle’s traction battery, simply covering the car does not stop that process. Research cited by the U.S. Fire Administration found that flames can disappear beneath a fire blanket while the battery continues to release flammable gases. If those gases accumulate, they can create an explosion hazard.
FIRE SHOKA DOME differs from a simple fire blanket because it actively delivers water. Its potential advantage is therefore not only separating one burning vehicle from nearby cars, but also cooling the enclosed space. The manufacturer’s published materials do not yet include independent tests of this specific system on an EV traction battery, so it would be premature to claim that it can reliably stop thermal runaway. Its official purpose is framed more cautiously: contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby vehicles and the building.
The system illustrates another possible strategy for tight parking garages: instead of trying to move a burning car immediately, responders can isolate and cool it in place until firefighters can take over.