The updated fire extinguisher regulations are found in sections (K)3.1-3.3.3 of the 2022 Motorsport UK Yearbook. Having previously been published, since 2018, as Appendix 3 to Section (K) as advance notice and applying to new build vehicles, they do now fully apply.
In simple terms it means that where a plumbed-in extinguisher is required by the discipline specific regulation then this must now be an FIA homologated system (to either of the two FIA homologation standards: Fire Extinguisher Systems in Competition Cars (1999) and FIA Standard 8865-2015). And for disciplines where a handheld extinguisher is required the minimum capacity has increased to 2.4 litres for AFFF, although gas and powder extinguishers are also acceptable with a 2kg minimum capacity.
Details of the plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems homologated by the FIA can be found on the relevant FIA Technical Lists. Fire Extinguisher Systems in Competition Cars (1999) systems are found in Technical List No.16 and FIA Standard 8865-2015 systems are found in Technical List No.52. These Technical Lists can also be found on the FIA Website:
CLICK HERE for Technical List 16
CLICK HERE for Technical List 52
A common question that we receive is, what is the minimum capacity? For FIA-homologated plumbed-in systems, the extinguisher capacity will be defined by the individual system’s FIA homologation, so there is no minimum capacity as such. However, competitors should note that only certain Fire Extinguisher Systems in Competition Cars (1999) systems are homologated for use in Stage Rallying; these systems are indicated on FIA Technical List No.16 with a tick in the column headed ‘Rally’. And these will be a minimum of 3kg for gas systems. All FIA Standard 8865-2015 homologated systems are eligible for Stage Rallying.
Another common question is regarding the number of nozzles and their location. Again, there is no mandatory requirement as such, the number of nozzles and their exact location will be defined by the individual system’s FIA homologation. However, Technical List 16 extinguisher systems approved for Stage Rallying will always have nozzles in both passenger compartment and engine bay, as will all Technical List 52 extinguisher systems.
One additional thing to be aware of when looking at the FIA Technical Lists is the homologation end date detailed in the last column. It is important to understand that this date represents only the final date on which the extinguisher systems may be manufactured (as noted in the annotation at the bottom of each page of the list). It does not mean that a fire extinguisher system of this homologation number can no longer be used after this date. FIA homologated fire extinguisher systems can continue to be used beyond the ‘homologation end date’ for as long as the competitor maintains the manufacturer’s service schedule.