A SYSTEM FOR LOCAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CONFLAGRATION POTENTIAL OF URBAN AREAS.
Abstract
An empirical system was developed for local application to permit both the assessment of relative conflagration potential (by assigning ratings to urban blocks indicating their relative susceptibility to mass fire) and the delineation of firebreaks to isolate or divide conflagration areas. The basis of the system was the application of fire protection engineering principles to evolve formulae and relative ratings for the factors involved in fire spread. Results consistent with the observations of experienced fire department officers were achieved when assigning numerical ratings to predominant factors; then applying a generalized formula for computing block ratings to indicate relative conflagration hazard. However, to obtain actual exposure distances required individual analysis of structures along the potential firebreak. As a result, two analytic methods were prepared, and simplified versions of each were devised. The regular and simplified methods were field tested by civil defense and fire department volumteers to insure ease of application, conformity to existing knowledge of fire spread, and consistency of results. The final versions are considered valid for the purposes set forth. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0616623
Entities
People
- B. M. Cohn
- L. E. Almgren
- M. Curless