News — 17 Oct 2026
Garage Fire Risks 2026
Attached garages are one of the most fire-prone areas of a home. Flammable liquids, vehicle batteries, and inadequate fire doors create a fast-moving hazard that can engulf a house within minutes. Here is what to know in 2026.
Key rule
Any door between an integral (attached) garage and a habitable room must be a self-closing FD30 fire door fitted with intumescent seals — no exceptions under Building Regulations Approved Document B.
Top 6 causes of garage fires
Fuel leaks, electrical faults, and battery thermal runaway in EVs and hybrids are the leading ignition source in attached garages.
Petrol, paint, solvents, and thinners stored near ignition sources (lawnmowers, water heaters) cause rapid fire spread.
Overloaded extension leads, DIY wiring, and aging circuits serving workshop tools are a consistent ignition source.
E-bike, EV, and power-tool batteries left charging unattended overnight significantly increase thermal runaway risk.
Cardboard boxes, paper bags, and foam packaging stacked against walls dramatically raise the fire load of a garage.
Tumble dryers, boilers, and gas heaters installed in garages require proper ventilation and annual servicing.
Connected garage fire door requirements
Under Approved Document B, every door connecting an integral garage to the main dwelling must meet the following minimum standards. See our fire door safety guide for a full six-point inspection checklist.
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fire resistance rating | FD30 minimum (30-minute door) between integral garage and habitable rooms |
| Self-closing device | Mandatory — door must close and latch automatically |
| Intumescent seal | Required on all four edges; smoke seal on three edges minimum |
| Threshold | Step up of at least 100 mm into the house (or FD30S smoke-sealed door) |
| Glazing | Any glazing must be fire-rated to the same standard as the door leaf |
| New builds (Building Regs) | Approved Document B (2019 edition) mandates FD30S for all integral garage doors |
Vehicle fires and EV battery risk
Vehicle fires in attached garages are a growing concern as electric and hybrid vehicles become more common. A conventional petrol car fire can reach over 800 °C and spread to a timber-framed garage within two to three minutes. EV battery fires can produce intense heat for hours, release toxic hydrogen fluoride gas, and reignite after appearing to be extinguished — a phenomenon explained by thermal runaway.
Key precautions for EV and e-bike owners include: only using manufacturer-approved chargers, never charging a visibly damaged battery, fitting a heat detector linked to the main alarm system, and leaving adequate space around vehicles to allow emergency access.
Stored flammable liquids: the rules
The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 permit householders to store up to 30 litres of petrol at home in approved containers without a licence, but the Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends storing the minimum practicable quantity. Containers must be:
- Constructed of metal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Kept in a ventilated area away from heat sources and direct sunlight
- Stored away from electrical switchgear, boilers, and water heaters
- Never taken into the living area of the house
Paint, solvents, aerosols, and thinners should all be treated as flammable. Keep quantities to what is needed for the current project — surplus stock dramatically increases fire load.
Garage fire prevention checklist
- Fit a heat alarm (not a smoke alarm) interlinked to the main alarm system
- Check the fire door between garage and house closes and latches fully each month
- Store flammable liquids in approved containers, minimal quantities, away from ignition sources
- Never charge e-bike or EV batteries unattended overnight
- Keep a clear 1 m path around parked vehicles
- Arrange PAT testing for workshop tools and extension leads annually
- Do not use the garage as a primary escape route if another exit exists
For a full room-by-room assessment including the garage, use our home fire risk assessment guide.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ