On the Ignition of Fuel Beds by Firebrands.
On the Ignition of Fuel Beds by Firebrands.
(286 K)
Manzello, S. L.; Cleary, T. G.; Shields, J. R.; Yang, J.
C.
EastFIRE Session 3B-2;
EastFIRE Conference. Proceedings. EastFIRE Session
3B-2. May 11-13, 2005, Fairfax, VA, 2005.
Keywords:
firebrands; ignition; fuel beds; urban fires; wildland
fires; experiments
Abstract:
An experimental apparatus has been built to investigate
the ignition of fuel beds as a result of impact with
burning firebrands. The apparatus allowed for the
ignition and deposition of both single and multiple
firebrands onto the target fuel bed. The moisture
content of the fuel beds used was varied and the test
fuels considered were pine needle beds. Firebrands were
simulated by machining wood into small disks of uniform
geometry and the size of the disks was varied. The
firebrand ignition apparatus was installed into the Fire
Emulator/Detector Evaluator (FE/DE) to invetigate the
influence of an air flow on the ignition propensity of
fuel beds. Results of this study are presented and
compared to relevant studies in the literature.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899