Iserlohn is the heart of the Märkisches Sauerland region and a key hub for regional public transport. The city boasts a frequent bus network that reliably connects central urban areas, industrial parks, and surrounding communities. Buses are an integral part of the cityscape, transporting commuters, students, and senior citizens safely and punctually every day. With the ongoing electrification of the transport system, the local public transport company is increasingly relying on electric and hybrid buses to strengthen climate protection and promote sustainable mobility in the region.
The Märkische Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG) has once again secured funding for its conversion to electric mobility. In August 2025, the MVG received a grant of €2.3 million from the state for the expansion of its charging and maintenance infrastructure. Additionally, the Zweckverband Mobilität Ruhr-Lippe (ZRL), the regional mobility association, pledged €1.5 million to finance the necessary expansion of the Calle depot in Iserlohn.
For the operation of this modern fleet, effective fire protection is particularly important in Iserlohn: The buses are often parked close together in the depots at night, while the charging infrastructure is in operation. A fire can quickly spread to other vehicles and jeopardize the entire operational readiness. The high-pressure water mist system installed by FOGTEC reliably protects the depot. This ensures the fleet remains operational, and the citizens of Iserlohn can rely on punctual and safe bus services.
The bus depot in Iserlohn was modernized as part of the fleet expansion with several electric buses. Due to the increased fire load of modern vehicles and the limited parking space, a highly effective, automated fire suppression system was required that reliably protects both conventional buses and electric buses with lithium-ion batteries. The high-pressure water mist system operates at a pressure of 70 bar. The fine water droplets create a large surface area, resulting in rapid and efficient cooling. The minimal water consumption reduces the requirements for firewater retention and allows for compact pump rooms, even when retrofitting existing depots. The system was designed for heat release rates of up to approximately 35 MW, corresponding to the maximum fire output of modern electric buses including their batteries. In Iserlohn, the pump room will be installed on-site as a container solution, a common approach for retrofits where space is limited on company premises.
