Smoke Transport Calculation during a Wooden Residential Structure Fire

Abstract

This is a case study of cottage housing in Taiwanese military dependents’ villages that are primarily wooden structures with brick walls. When a fire ignited in one of these structures, sufficient air on the exterior of the building promoted the rapid ignition of the wooden structure. Because residents were a woman and child who lacked fire safety and escape knowledge, the fire resulted in two deaths. When fires ignite in wooden structures, toxic particulates in the smoke generated from the burning and decomposition spread rapidly because of thermal buoyancy effect, causing difficulties for escape and rescue. This research utilizes the fire dynamics simulator (FDS) software to simulate the fire scenario to discuss the impacts of smoke diffusion at a fire site and analyze the main causes of the fire. We also provide suggestions in the hope of offering information on fire safety precautions for this structure type to prevent future similar disasters.