Session 1

Fire Hazard of the Modern Vehicle    

Automobiles have been evolving over the past decade, with advancements in alternate fuel sources and changes in what materials from which they are made. Other changes include an increase in the use of plastics and synthetic materials in the makeup of automobiles.  Sizes of automobiles are also trending larger, but parking structures have stayed mostly the same. These changes have led to questions about if our vehicles have changed enough to be considered a more hazardous occupancy than was previously established in NFPA standards.

This presentation will review some of the changes that have already been implemented in codes and standards to address these concerns. It will also review the latest in research from both the NFPA research foundation and other organizations across the globe. Case studies of large scale parking structure fires will be reviewed to demonstrate how large an impact these fires can have for property owners and vehicle owners. We will discuss testing that has been completed on electric vehicles, robotic and automated parking systems like car stackers and what the future might hold in standards like NFPA 88A.

Melisa Rodriguez

Johnson Controls

Melisa's background spans project management, fire protection design, engineering leadership, and business development. She is NICET Level IV certified in Water-Based Systems Layout and holds both a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

She is deeply involved in industry standards and public safety governance, serving on the Minnesota Board of Licensure (AELSLAGID), as Vice-Chair of the Governor’s Council for Fire Prevention and Control, and as a member of multiple NFPA Technical Committees. Melisa also contributes to professional development as Vice-Chair of the NFSA Future Leadership Committee, Chair of the SFPE Virtual Learning Subcommittee, and Past President of the SFPE Minnesota Chapter.