Millennial View of Fire Suppression.
Millennial View of Fire Suppression.
(102 K)
Gann, R. G.
Halon Options Technical Working Conference.
Proceedings. HOTWC 2000. Sponsored by: University of
New Mexico, Fire Suppression Systems Assoc., Fire and
Safety Group, Great Lakes Chemical Corp., Halon
Alternative Research Corp., Hughes Associates, Inc.,
Kidde Fenwal, Inc., Kidde International, Modular
Protection, Inc., Next Generation Fire Suppression
Technology Program, Sandia National Laboratories, Summit
Environmental Corp., Inc. and 3M Specialty Materials.
May 2-4, 2000, Albuquerque, NM, xi-xvii pp, 2000.
Available from:
For more information contact: Center for Global
Environmental Technologies, New Mexico Engineering
Research Institute, University of New Mexico, 901
University Blvd., SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-4339 USA.
Telephone: 505-272-7250,
Fax: 505-272-7203. WEB:
http://nmeri.unm.edu/cget/confinfo.htm
Keywords:
halon alternatives; fire suppression; fire safety;
environmental effects; halons
Abstract:
The ability to control fire is universally and
exclusively human. The history of that controlled use is
also the history of civilization. Indeed, it has been so
important to our development that no branch of the
hominid family tree has survived without it. While
individuals likely recognized the first principles of
fire control, it was the rise of organized societies
that led to structured activities and, later, products
to mitigate the unwanted outcomes of fires. Now, the
application of chemicals, manually and by mechanical
devices, to control fires has become a mainstay of
modern society. In particular, the development of the
use of chemicals has a rich history. The evolution of
human culture has led to changing definitions of
successful fire control and changing acceptability of
the various means for effecting that control. We in the
year 2000 are the legatees of millennia of this
evolution. The following is a pass through this
heritage, indicating the implications for the 21st
century and concluding with the author's anticipation of
how a 22nd century book on fire suppression might
conclude.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899