Firefighters Research Articles

Forest Fire Prediction Based on Time Series Networks and Remote Sensing Images

Protecting forest resources and preventing forest fires are vital for social development and public well-being. However, current research studies on forest fire warning systems often focus on extensive geographic areas like states, counties, and provinces. This approach lacks the precision and detail needed for predicting fires in smaller regions. To address this gap, we propose a Transformer-based time series forecasting model aimed at improving the accuracy of forest fire predictions in smaller areas. Our study focuses on Quanzhou County, Guilin City, Guangxi Province, China. We utilized time series data from 2021 to 2022, along with remote sensing images and ArcGIS technology, to identify various factors influencing forest fires in this region. We established a time series dataset containing twelve influencing factors, each labeled with forest fire occurrences. By integrating these data with the Transformer model, we generated forest fire danger level prediction maps for Quanzhou County. Our model’s performance is compared with other deep learning methods using metrics such as RMSE, and the results reveal that the proposed Transformer model achieves higher accuracy (ACC = 0.903, MAPE = 0.259, MAE = 0.053, RMSE = 0.389). This study demonstrates that the Transformer model effectively takes advantage of spatial background information and the periodicity of forest fire factors, significantly enhancing predictive accuracy.

The characteristics and future projections of fire danger in the areas around mega-city based on meteorological data–a case study of Beijing

The characteristics and future projections of fire danger in the areas around mega-city based on meteorological data–a case study of Beijing

Firefighting Vehicle Dispatch and Route Planning Model Based on Priority Passage Rights

<div>Efficient fire rescue operations in urban environments are critical for saving lives and reducing property damage. By utilizing connected vehicle systems (CVS) for firefighting vehicles planning, we can reduce the response time to fires while lowering the operational costs of fire stations. This research presents an innovative nonlinear mixed-integer programming model to enhance fire rescue operations in urban settings. The model focuses on expediting the movement of firefighting vehicles within intricate traffic networks, effectively tackling the complexities associated with collaborative dispatch decisions and optimal path planning for multiple response units. This method is validated using a small-scale traffic network, providing foundational insights into parameter impacts. A case study in Sioux Falls shows its superiority over traditional “nearest dispatch” methods, optimizing both cost and response time significantly. Sensitivity analyses involving clearance speed, clearance time, minimum rescue force, and fire loss parameters contribute to the enhancement of urban fire rescue operations and the refinement of practical decision support systems.</div>

European hydrogen train the trainer framework for responders: Outcomes of the HyResponder project

HyResponder is a European Hydrogen Train the Trainer programme for responders. This paper describes the key outputs of the project and the steps taken to develop and implement a long-term sustainable train the trainer programme in hydrogen safety for responders across Europe and beyond. This FCH2 JU (now Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking) funded project has built on the successful outcomes of the previous HyResponse project. HyResponder has developed further and updated educational, operational, and virtual reality training for trainers of responders to reflect the state-of-the-art in hydrogen safety, including liquid hydrogen, and expand the programme across Europe and specifically within the 10 countries represented directly within the project consortium: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. For the first time, four levels of educational materials from fire fighter through to specialist have been developed. The digital training resources are available on the e-Platform (https://hyresponder.eu/e-platform/). The revised European Emergency Response Guide is now available to all stakeholders. The resources are intended to be used to support national training programs. They are available in 8 languages: Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian and Spanish. Through the HyResponder activities, trainers from across Europe have undertaken joint actions which are in turn being used to inform the delivery of regional and national training both within and beyond the project. The established pan-European network of trainers is shaping the future in the important for inherently safer deployment of hydrogen systems and infrastructure across Europe and enhancing the reach and impact of the programme.

Experimental and analytical study on post-fire residual flexural behavior of corroded reinforced concrete beams after various cooling methods

To study the flexural behavior of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams after various cooling methods, a series of tests were carried out on twenty-four RC beams. The study delved into the effects of corrosion degree (5 %, 10 %, and 15 %), fire exposure time (60 min, 90 min, and 120 min), and cooling methods (natural cooling and water cooling) on the flexural performance of the beams. The results indicated that during the cooling phase, beams subjected to water-sprayed cooling exhibited a faster cooling rate and more pronounced surface cracks in comparison to beams undergoing natural cooling. All beam specimens showed flexural failure mode, but it should be noted that water-spraying cooling may induce brittle failure in beams post-fire. The descending segment of the load-deflection curve for failed specimens with over-reinforcement was steep, indicative of poor ductility. The peak load of the specimens decreased by 36 % from unexposed to 120 min of exposure. Notably, the impact of fire exposure time on peak load was more pronounced than that of the corrosion degree. In terms of cooling methods, the flexural capacities exhibited a more significant decline in beams subjected to water-spraying cooling compared to those under natural cooling, with a reduction of 42 %. The residual flexural capacities of corroded RC beams were predicted using a simplified analytical model incorporating heat transfer analysis and cross-section analysis methods. The predictions demonstrated excellent agreement with the experimental results. The conclusions can provide theoretical guidance for fire rescue after exposure to fire.

Experimental Study on Flame Spread of Pine Wood Dust Layer Under Horizontal Rotation Condition

ABSTRACT The rotating discs of wood polishing machines and the rotating bases of winding machines rotate horizontally during operation, and a layer of wood dust may be deposited on their surfaces. The study of flame spreading of wood dust layer in the rotating state has not been reported in the literature. Based on this situation, in this study, the flame spreading of pine wood dust layers in three particle size ranges under stationary and different rotating conditions were carried out and analyzed comparatively. The results show that the flame spreading speed of the pine wood dust layer from 74~100 micrometers positively correlates with the rotational angular velocity. The flame-spreading speed of a pine wood dust layer larger than 100 micrometers negatively correlated with the rotational angular velocity. This indicates that the flame spreading speed of the pine wood dust layer is affected by the combined effect of dust particle size and dust layer motion state. The flame propagation speed of the 74~100 micron pine dust layer was 3.3 mm/s when the rotational angular velocity was 0.167 rad/s, which was the maximum flame propagation speed in all experimental conditions. The maximum flame height of the pine dust layer in the rotating state was at least 55.6% higher than that in the stationary state.From the combined view of the three parameters of flame spreading speed, flame duration, and maximum flame height, the fire danger is greater in the rotating state than in the stationary state. Within a certain range, the larger the rotational angular velocity, the greater the fire hazard.

ANALYSIS AND REMEDIATION OF ENDOGENOUS FIRE AT LONGWALL TOTAL COAL THICKNESS MINING OF THE MAIN COAL SEAM IN RASPOTOČJE MINE OF ZENICA BROWN COAL MINES

Mining of the thick coal layers that include roof caving operation can results in residual coal quantities in the gob as a potential threat causing occurence of spontaneous oxidation process, smoldering, and endogenous mine fire that can affect the safety and regular mine operations. Endogeneous fire occurences in Zenica coal mines are directly linked to complex natural conditions reflecting in complex geological conditions, great depth of mining, high methane content in coal seams, and tendency of coal to spontaneous oxidation process. The subject of the paper is the analysis of endogenous fire supression method applyed in conditions of complete coal thickness longwall mining in Raspotočje mine, that has been rehabilitiated upon the endogeneous fire and then reactivated. The following methods were used in fire fighting: passive fire fighting methods (sealing of the area affected by the fire), active method (injection of electrofilter ash) and ventilation methods. Furthermore additional data (position of gob area and sealing objects, air flow regulators, routes of possible air migration, suggested technical solutions, etc) were added in the linear and canonic schemes for the purpose of defining efficient solutions for fire fighting. Key words: endogenous fire, longwall mining, advancing mining, fire fighting.

Analysis of fire protection design strategies for commercial renovation of villagers’ self-built houses

Abstract The current situation of self-built houses by villagers is prevalent in rural areas, where many villagers construct their own residential dwellings based on their personal needs and economic circumstances. These self-built houses are typically constructed using basic materials and traditional building techniques, often without adherence to strict building regulations and standards. As a result of the lack of professional knowledge and technical guidance, the structural integrity and safety of these houses are often compromised. In addition, the lack of firefighting facilities and fire prevention measures further increase the risk of fire accidents. This situation contributes to a higher incidence of fires in rural areas, posing a significant threat to the lives and assets of villagers. Therefore, it becomes imperative to improve the current state of self-built houses by villagers. Strengthening fire safety awareness and implementing robust fire prevention measures are vital in this regard. This paper aims to summarize the challenges involved in fire protection design for renovating rural buildings. Additionally, it proposes fire protection design principles specifically for the commercial transformation of self-built houses by villagers. By analyzing real-world engineering cases, this study puts forth specific fire protection measures concerning fire rescue, fire control zones (groups), evacuation design, and fire systems. To ensure the fire safety of these buildings, special fire protection design methods are employed. The effectiveness of the proposed fire protection measures are validated through the use of FDS fire and smoke numerical simulation analysis software and Pathfinder evacuation simulation software, ensuring the fire safety of the buildings. The results show that the available safe evacuation time that can be provided by this scenario is 1200 s as calculated by the FDS simulation, and the necessary safe evacuation time is less than the available safe evacuation time in case of a fire on the first floor of this building, and the safe evacuation of the people can be guaranteed. This study can provide a valuable resource for architects, engineers, and decision makers to implement effective fire protection measures during commercial remodeling of village-owned houses.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIRE EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM AT DR. TADJUDDIN CHALID MAKASSAR

The growth and arrangement of existing buildings is often not balanced with the readiness of building infrastructure or gives the impression of forced development so that the resulting physical buildings pay little attention to fire hazards. Fire prevention is a building system that aims to save lives and property from the dangers of fire. Preparedness and handling before a fire occurs is a very important factor in preventing fires. The aim of this research is to see whether the implementation of the emergency response system at RSUP Dr. Tadjuddin Chalid Makassar is in accordance with standards. This research method uses qualitative research with a descriptive approach through in-depth interviews. The informants for this research are the person in charge of K3RS, Head of Sanitation Installation, members of the hospital emergency response team , hospital fire brigade team, hospital management team and Head of Facilities and Infrastructure Maintenance. The research results showed that RSUP Dr. Tadjuddin Chalid Makassar has implemented a fire emergency response system that is in accordance with standards, but it is not yet optimal, such as evaluation of training and education that has not been implemented, in the active fire system there are still APARs that have expired and several hydrants that are not attached with instructions for use, then in the system passive fires, there are still gathering places that are still used as parking lots and there are no emergency stairs specifically for patients who use wheelchairs. Keywords : System, Response, Emergency, Fire, Hospital

Pemeliharaan Dan Pengamanan Arsip Keluarga Melalui Tindakan Alih Media

This Community Service activity is carried out in partnership with the target group, which consists of the mothers of students from the Play Group and Kindergarten of Cahya Hati, located in Mulyoagung Village, Dau District, Malang Regency, East Java. The purpose of this activity is to provide understanding and training to mothers in managing family archives through media conversion. The reason for choosing the target partner is that the mother is the one who manages the daily life of the family. One of them is in managing family documents. Family documents need to be archived to record information and be easily retrieved when needed. The transfer of archival media is carried out with the aim of ensuring the safety of family archives, such as from the dangers of flooding, fire, and other hazards. The community service activities were conducted using methods of lectures, discussions, and simple media transfer training, followed by the storage of family archives resulting from the media transfer actions. The result of this community service activity is that the mothers involved gained experience in transferring family archive media, and then immediately practiced it on their own family documents.

ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FIRE RESCUE SERVICE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Traffic accidents remain a topical safety issue. The aim of this article is to use the statistical apparatus to describe a random variable, the daily number of accidents, and to model it. The data on traffic accidents for the period 2012–2021, including time and location information, came from the database of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. The study utilised an analysis of variance for statistical analysis with a count variable, following a Poisson distribution. One-factor and two-factor analyses are used to describe the dependence of the daily number of accidents involving the deployment of the fire rescue service on the day of the week, and month. The use of generalised linear model for count data to analyse the number of traffic accidents is unique in the Czech Republic.

Robust Forest Fire Detection using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Forest fires pose significant threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human lives, necessitating proactive measures for early detection and rapid response. This paper presents FireGuard, an efficient model for forest fire detection using deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Leveraging the power of deep learning and image processing techniques, FireGuard analyzes aerial imagery and satellite data to detect signs of smoke and fire outbreaks in forested areas. The model utilizes a lightweight CNN architecture optimized for real-time performance and resource-constrained environments, making it suitable for deployment on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), surveillance cameras, and satellite platforms. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of FireGuard in accurately identifying forest fires with high precision and recall, outperforming traditional methods and existing deep learning models. By providing early warnings of potential fire incidents, FireGuard enables timely intervention by fire fighting agencies, thereby mitigating the impact of forest fires and preserving natural habitats.

Features of fire danger in maternity hospitals

The article deals with the issue of fire safety in maternity hospitals, taking into account the specifics of patients (laboring women). The behaviour of pregnant and postpartum women and the fire safety requirements in terms of their vulnerability are considered. The article shows the dynamics of the number of fires and their causes in maternity hospitals in Russia for 2018-2022. It was found that when evacuating a building in the event of a fire, pregnant women experience difficulties due to stress and their psychological state. It is proposed to take additional measures to ensure the safety of pregnant or postpartum women and their newborn children in maternity hospitals in the emergency situation such as fires. The overall safety of patients in maternity hospitals should be a priority for any healthcare facility.

BEECH FORESTS OF THE "VYZHNYTSKYI NATIONAL NATURAL PARK": CURRENT SANITARY CONDITION AND PROBLEMS OF PRESERVATION

The beech primeval forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park are a unique cultural heritage and play a special role for the Carpathian region and Ukraine as a whole, therefore they are strictly protected in the territories of the nature reserve fund, performing ecological, educational and scientific-cognitive functions. In this regard, monitoring the current state of the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park and highlighting the problem of their preservation becomes relevant. In the course of conducting research, classical and modern methods of forestry research were used, as well as specific methods of phytosanitary monitoring and comparative ecology. The massif of primeval beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park is characterized by a remarkable diversity of fungi. We identified fruiting bodies of wood-destroying fungi on the trunks of beech trees: Fomes fomentarius (L. ex Fr.) Gill., Daedalea quercina L. ex Fr., Phellinus igniarius (L.: Fr.) Quel, Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.: Fr.) Bond. et Sing., Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél., Stereum hirsutum (Willd.) Pers., Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Ces. & De Not., Аrmillariella mellea (Vahl) P.Karst., and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P.Kumm. Groups of Coprinus micaceus (Fr.) and Hypholoma capnoides (Fr. ex Fr.) Kumm were noted near rotten beech stumps. We also came across a unique find the invasive red-listed Clathrus archeri (Berk.) Dring. In the course of surveys, fruiting bodies of typical representatives of the marsupial class Xylaria polymorpha (Pers.) Grev., and Xylaria hypoxylon (L.: Fr.) Grev). Representatives of xylophilic ascomycetes were identified on the dead trunk of a European beech Bisporella citrina (Batsch) Korf et S.E. Carp. Symptoms of dieback of central shoots and side branches, dieback of European beech bark, which is directly related to the vital activity of Nectria ditissima Tul., were recorded. & C.Tul. Cumulative manifestations of infectious and non-infectious pathologies were noted. The problems of preserving the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park should include: intensive and uncontrolled economic activity; irresponsible behavior of tourists (arson, mechanical damage, littering, poaching, etc.); construction of highways and tourist centers in the immediate vicinity of primeval forests; damage to forest stands due to atmospheric air pollution, climate change; significant spread of pests or pathogens of forest diseases; danger of forest fires; recreational load and livestock grazing. Given the role and importance of the beech forests of the Vyzhnytskyi National Natural Park, a comprehensive study of the forest systems is necessary to preserve these unique resources.

Study on the Length of Smoke Backlayering of Double-Source Fire in Tunnels.

In order to predict the smoke backlayering length of double-source fire in tunnels, this paper deduced the dimensional expressions for smoke backlayering length by theoretical analysis and proposed a prediction formula for smoke backlayering length in single-source fire on the basis of the Fire Dynamics Simulator. Based on the results, the paper proposed a method for studying the smoke backlayering length of double-source fire in the tunnel. By introducing the fire power influence coefficient α and the distance influence coefficient β, the formula for predicting smoke backlayering length in single-source fire was revised to obtain a new formula for predicting the smoke backlayering length of double-source fire. By comparing the formula prediction value with the simulation value, it is found that the prediction formula is almost accurate. This study will be helpful for understanding the multisource tunnel fire and predicting the smoke backlayering length of double-source fire in tunnels, which can provide guidance for tunnel fire rescue.

Future fire events are likely to be worse than climate projections indicate – these are some of the reasons why

Background Climate projections signal longer fire seasons and an increase in the number of dangerous fire weather days for much of the world including Australia. Aims Here we argue that heatwaves, dynamic fire–atmosphere interactions and increased fuel availability caused by drought will amplify potential fire behaviour well beyond projections based on calculations of afternoon forest fire danger derived from climate models. Methods We review meteorological dynamics contributing to enhanced fire behaviour during heatwaves, drawing on examples of dynamical processes driving fire behaviour during the Australian Black Summer bushfires of 2019–20. Results Key dynamical processes identified include: nocturnal low-level jets, deep, unstable planetary boundary layers and fire–atmosphere coupling. Conclusions The future scenario we contend is long windows of multi-day fire events where overnight suppression is less effective and fire perimeters will expand continuously and aggressively over multiple days and nights. Implications Greater overnight fire activity and multi-day events present strategic and tactical challenges for fire management agencies including having to expand resourcing for overnight work, manage personnel fatigue and revise training to identify conditions conducive to unusually active fire behaviour overnight. Effective messaging will be critical to minimise accidental fire ignition during heatwaves and to alert the community to the changing fire environment

Understanding the association between global forest fire products and hydrometeorological variables

Climate change and anthropogenic activities have influenced the frequency and magnitude of forest fires both globally and regionally. While skilful short- to extended-range prediction of forest fires is essential for effective mitigation in local communities, it is also important to identify the implications of forest fires on different sectors, including water resources and sustainable development. Limited studies have investigated the association between forest fires and hydrometeorological variables at the regional scale in developing countries due to the lack of necessary datasets, which can now be leveraged using the newly hosted global reanalysis of fire danger indices (referred to as fire indices). The current study presents a comprehensive analysis of the spatio-temporal variations of eight fire indices across India, as well as their association with hydro-meteorological variables, such as precipitation, temperature, and the streamflow of a major river basin (Mahanadi) in India. The accuracy of these indices in capturing real fire events and the potential benefit of incorporating fire indices into long-term hydrologic simulations are also explored. The results show that fire indices can accurately yield fire seasons (i.e., post-monsoon and summer) in India. Furthermore, forest fires are found to be strongly associated with hydro-meteorological variables, typically resulting in low streamflow regimes. Fire indices can also capture actual fire events, maintaining high scalar accuracy. Finally, an improvement in uncalibrated hydrologic model simulations is observed when simulated streamflow is post-processed using the fire indices as predictors. Overall, the current study has valuable implications for fire indices forecasting and hydrologic simulations in ungauged basins.

A Global Probability‐Of‐Fire (PoF) Forecast

AbstractAccurate wildfire forecasting can inform regional management and mitigation strategies in advance of fire occurrence. Existing systems typically use fire danger indices to predict landscape flammability, based on meteorological forecasts alone, often using little or no direct information on land surface or vegetation state. Here, we use a vegetation characteristic model, weather forecasts and a data‐driven machine learning approach to construct a global daily ∼9 km resolution Probability of Fire (PoF) model operating at multiple lead times. The PoF model outperforms existing indices, providing accurate forecasts of fire activity up to 10 days in advance, and in some cases up to 30 days. The model can also be used to investigate historical shifts in regional fire patterns. Furthermore, the underlying data driven approach allows PoF to be used for fire attribution, isolating key variables for specific fire events or for looking at the relationships between variables and fire occurrence.

Australia’s 2019/20 Black Summer fire weather exceptionally rare over the last 2000 years

Australia’s record-breaking 2019/20 Black Summer fire weather resulted from a combination of natural and anthropogenic climate factors, but the full range of natural variability in fire weather is unknown. We reconstruct southeast Australian fire weather over the Common Era based on an East Antarctic ice core sea-salt aerosol record. This record reflects the Southern Ocean synoptic-scale weather patterns and Antarctic stratospheric polar vortex strength that pre-condition elevated fire danger over southeast Australia. We show that the (a) intensity of the 2019/20 fire weather was unprecedented since 1950 and (b) frequency of above average fire weather seasons from 2010–2020 has only occurred once since 1950 (over 1977–1987), but there are analogues for similar extreme fire danger caused by natural variability in the 2000-year reconstruction. This highlights the need for fire risk mitigation that considers the full range of plausible natural variability in Australia’s fire weather as well as anthropogenic forcing.

Internal Flames: Metal(loid) Exposure Linked to Alteration of the Lipid Profile in Czech Male Firefighters (CELSPAC-FIREexpo Study).

Increased wildfire activity increases the demands on fire rescue services and firefighters' contact with harmful chemicals. This study aimed to determine firefighters' exposure to toxic metal(loid)s and its association with the lipid profile. CELSPAC-FIREexpo study participants (including 110 firefighters) provided urine and blood samples to quantify urinary levels of metal(loid)s (arsenic, cadmium (Cd), mercury, and lead (Pb)), and serum lipid biomarkers (cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (TG)). The associations were investigated by using multiple linear regression and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) regression. Higher levels of Pb were observed in firefighters. Pb was positively associated with CHOL and TG. Cd was negatively associated with HDL. In the BWQS model, the mixture of metal(loid)s was associated positively with CHOL (β = 14.75, 95% CrI = 2.45-29.08), LDL (β = 15.14, 95% CrI = 3.39-29.35), and TG (β = 14.79, 95% CrI = 0.73-30.42), while negatively with HDL (β = -14.96, 95% CrI = -25.78 to -1.8). Pb emerged as a key component in a metal(loid) mixture. The results suggest that higher exposure to lead and the mixture of metal(loid)s is associated with the alteration of the lipid profile, which can result in an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile, especially in occupationally exposed firefighters.