Simulation of the Dynamics of a Fire in a Two-Story Duplex
NIST's Fire Dynamics Simulator was used to recreate fire conditions in a 1999 fire in a two-story duplex in Iowa. Three children and three firefighters were killed. The critical event was the on-set of flashover conditions in the kitchen, where the fire began. Post-flashover the fire spread rapidly via flow paths from the kitchen to the front door and up the stairs.
NOTE:
The critical event was the on-set of flashover conditions in the kitchen, where the fire began. Post-flashover, the fire spread rapidly via flow paths from the kitchen to the front door and up the stairs.
Looking at this incident with the perspective of the recent research from NIST and UL and the implementation by fire departments across the country, it points out the critical need for:
==size-up, the options of taking the first line to the kitchen window (exterior) or to the kitchen (interior) to prevent the flashover,
==the speed of the fire spread post flashover along the flow path from the kitchen through the dining room,
==the living room and then splitting and sending heat and flames out the front door and up the stairs.
How would the event have been impacted if door control was used? Once again we're reminded of how control/reduction of the hot gaseous fuels (smoke) is essential to life safety-civilian and Firefighters.
Published on Aug 27, 2014 by NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology (12:07)
