Euralarm publishes new guidance on fire safety in wind turbines

Euralarm's Extinguishing Section has published a new guidance document addressing fire safety in wind turbines. Fire Safety in Wind Turbines – Selection of Protection Systems provides guidance on identifying, assessing and mitigating fire risks throughout the operational lifecycle of both onshore and offshore wind turbine installations.

As wind turbines increase in size, power output and complexity, effective fire protection is becoming increasingly important. Turbines combine electrical and mechanical equipment, hydraulic systems, lubricants, polymers, composite materials and other potential fire loads, while frequently operating in remote locations where rapid human intervention is difficult or impossible. Although the probability of a fire may be relatively low, the consequences can be severe.
The new Euralarm guidance challenges the traditional assumption that a fire in a wind turbine will inevitably result in the complete loss of the asset. Many fires originate in identifiable components and systems and can therefore be addressed through appropriate fire protection measures. Early detection and proportionate intervention can help prevent escalation, reduce damage and downtime, and limit environmental consequences.

From minimum compliance to integrated fire protection

Fire safety in wind turbines is currently not covered by a single harmonised international fire code. Instead, requirements and recommendations are found across international design standards, national regulations and insurer-driven guidance. The Euralarm document therefore advocates a structured, risk-based approach, aligned with the IEC 61400 series and recognised international practice.

The guidance considers the principal risks associated with nacelles, hubs, towers, transformers and related electrical and hydraulic equipment. It addresses the complete fire protection strategy, including fire prevention, detection, automatic suppression and extinguishing, passive fire protection, lightning protection, and monitoring and maintenance.

Particular attention is given to early detection. Because wind turbines are difficult to access – and visual verification may not be practical – detection technology needs to operate reliably under challenging conditions while avoiding unwanted alarms caused by phenomena such as elevated temperatures, sparks and aerosols generated during normal turbine operation.

Automatic intervention can change the outcome

The guidance also considers the role of automatic fire suppression and extinguishing. Manual firefighting within a wind turbine is generally impractical, making automatic intervention an important consideration where a fire risk assessment identifies unacceptable risks. The document discusses a range of possible technologies, including gaseous systems, water mist, compressed air foam, condensed aerosols and powder systems. The appropriate solution depends on the particular risk and application.

This approach is particularly relevant because the consequences of a turbine fire can extend well beyond the turbine itself. Burning or falling debris can affect surrounding land or marine environments, while pollutants from oils, polymers and composite materials can be released. Fires can also result in prolonged downtime, reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny and increased insurance costs.

Supporting the resilience of wind energy

With wind energy playing an increasingly important role in the energy transition, Euralarm argues that fire should be regarded as a technically manageable risk rather than an unavoidable cause of catastrophic loss.

An integrated, lifecycle-based approach combining prevention, early detection and appropriate protection measures can improve resilience, reduce environmental impact and enhance asset performance and insurability. Ultimately, better fire protection also contributes to confidence in wind energy as a safe, reliable and sustainable source of energy.