FIREBRAND FIELD STUDIES.
Abstract
Five residential structures were burned and their firebrand production was sampled by distributing plastic sheets downwind from the structures. Hot brands melted the plastic to leave holes showing their profiles in the sheet. Three of the structures were standard frame construction with wood siding. The fourth was asphalt siding applied over sheet rock which covered the original shiplap. The fifth structure was a brick veneer over a wood frame. The firebrand production was greatest at the time of roof collapse. Concurrently with the experimental phase, attempts were made to obtain firebrand data from accidental fires. The firebrand production and the distance of travel as reported appeared to be greater than that measured at the experimental fires. This is attributed to the higher wind velocities and to the use of water sprays to protect exposures. A firebrand field study questionnaire was sent to the chiefs of approximately 1600 United States communities with populations over 12,000. Almost 500 replies were received, of which 268 provided detailed information. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0704725
Entities
People
- Frank J. Vodvarka
Organizations
- IIT Research Institute