EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF FIRE STORMS
Abstract
The study is an evaluative review of existing knowledge and opinion relating to fire storm phenomenology. It develops interim critical values of fire storm parameters that may be used in target analyses to establish conditions for possible occurrence of fire storms. The basic factors in initiation and development of fire storms are identified and are organized into a format to serve as the framework for a fire storm model. The casualties resulting from fire storms are discussed, and a possible method for predicting fire entrapment areas is presented. It is concluded in the investigation that major parameters and constraints affecting the initiation and development of fire storms include fuel loading, initial fire density, size of the initial fire area, surface wind, and topography and configuration. Factors which in general appear to determine the extent and nature of fire storms, as opposed to their possible existence, include combustibility, fire intensity buildup rate, atmospheric stability, temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Recommendations are given for further investigations to improve the state of knowledge in those areas where valid information is lacking.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0616638
Entities
People
- Floyd I. John
- Richard Laurino
- Robert M. Rodden
Organizations
- SRI International