Physics-Based Modeling for WUI Fire Spread: Simplified Model Algorithm for Ignition of Structures by Burning Vegetation.
Physics-Based Modeling for WUI Fire Spread: Simplified
Model Algorithm for Ignition of Structures by Burning
Vegetation.
(973 K)
Evans, D. D.; Rehm, R. G.; Baker, E. S.
NISTIR 7179; 36 p. October 2004.
Keywords:
fire spread; algorithms; ignition; structures;
combustion; wildland fires; forestry; experiments
Abstract:
A simple physics-based mathematical algorithm is
described for estimating the separation etation.
distances necessary to prevent radiative ignition of
structures by burning vegetation. The algorithm is
directed at use in applications such as the USDA Forest
Service EcoSmart software suite of tools. The algorithm
represents a firphenomena involving both structures and
vegetation typical of wildland-urban interface st step
in quantifying the fire spread WUI) areas and
residential housing communities. Results of initial
experiments to characterize the heat release rate (HRR),
flame height, and duration of burning for individual
Douglas-fir trees are provided. In addition, research
required to understand better and quantify
wildland-urban and residential community fires are
discussed.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899