Fire Extinguishing Research Articles

EPID-22. MUTATIONAL SIGNATURE ASSOCIATED WITH HALOALKANE EXPOSURE ENRICHED IN FIREFIGHTERS IN THE ADULT GLIOMA STUDY

Abstract Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Glioma Longitudinal Analysis (GLASS), we identified specific environmentally related mutational signatures in glioma including a signature associated with haloalkane exposure (SBS42) from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutational Signatures (COSMIC). Haloalkanes are widely used commercially including in flame retardants and fire extinguishants and are an intriguing finding given an observed increased glioma risk in firefighters. To validate our findings, we use new study participants with data on occupation (not available in either TCGA/GLASS) from the University of California, San Francisco Adult Glioma Study (AGS) to compare mutational signatures in tumors from 17 persons with glioma and documented occupational exposure to firefighting with those of 18 matched glioma patients without history of firefighting. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified environmental exposure signatures in tumor tissue from firefighters as well as in non-firefighters who had other relevant occupational exposure (e.g. auto/truck mechanic work). In these data, glioma is largely associated with aging and mutational signatures relating to endogenous mutational processes that correlate with age, such as spontaneous or enzymatic deamination of 5-methylcytosine. However, some gliomas have detectable signatures associated with exogenous mutational processes, such as SBS42 haloalkanes. Thus, we confirm detection of haloalkane signatures in persons likely highly exposed, i.e. long-term firefighters. Identifying exogenous mutational processes in cancers are important as they may inform public health intervention strategy to reduce mutagenesis and prevent cancer inception. Identifying occupational correlates with SBS42, associated with occupational exposure to haloalkanes, will pinpoint occupational hazards that may be avoidable. This is especially important for glioma and other cancers where exogenous mutagenesis is not well established.

Planning and Evaluation of Water-Dropping Strategy for Fixed-Wing Fire Extinguisher Based on Multi-Resolution Modeling

The deployment of fixed-wing aircraft in fire-extinguishing operations represents a significant advancement in the domain of aviation emergency rescue. Addressing the challenge of enhancing firefighting efficacy, this study delves into the water-dropping strategies of fixed-wing extinguishers and provides a methodological framework for the strategic planning and assessment of water-dropping tactics, employing multi-resolution modeling. The formulation of the planning algorithm and the structure of the effectiveness evaluation index system are explained accordingly. The corresponding prototype system was designed, comprising four subsystems that utilized distinct resolution models: fire environment simulation, water-dropping point scheme planning, approaching path planning, and mission evaluation simulation. Case studies validate the system’s capability to forecast fire and smoke propagation, plan a water-dropping trajectory based on the fire line, optimize flight paths based on the trajectory, and simulate as well as evaluate the whole firefighting mission process. The above research comprehensively constructs the model, finishes the iterative optimization, and evaluates the water-dropping strategy by simulation. The technical path and methodological framework of studying water-dropping strategies are established. The outcomes of this study provide invaluable support for the parameter inversion design of the fixed-wing extinguisher, offering decision-making assistance to commanders and supplying training scenarios for new aviation crews.

Fire Fighter Robot Using IOT and Mobile Application

In today's fast-paced world, fire hazards pose significant risks to life, property, and the environment. Traditional fire detection systems often rely on human intervention, leading to delays in response time and exacerbating the damage caused by fire incidents. Our project, the IoT-Based Automatic Fire Detection and Extinguisher Robot, addresses this challenge by utilizing a combination of modern sensor technology, robotics, and IoT to provide an autonomous and real-time solution. The robot is equipped with flame and temperature sensors that allow it to detect fires at an early stage. Once a fire is detected, the robot activates its movement mechanism using DC motors to navigate toward the fire while the integrated servo-controlled water pump precisely sprays water to extinguish the fire. In addition to automatic firefighting, the robot features obstacle detection using ultrasonic sensors, ensuring safe navigation in complex environments. The system includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication, allowing for remote control via an Android mobile app. This app provides both manual and automatic control options and sends real-time fire alerts when the robot detects a fire. This autonomous system minimizes human intervention, speeds up response times, and reduces fire damage effectively. The robot is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, which processes data from the sensors and controls the motors and water pump. The rescue pod feature allows the robot to perform additional operations like transporting sensitive materials during emergencies. The system's IoT functionality enables real-time alerts and remote monitoring, enhancing its capability as a scalable and cost-effective solution for residential, commercial, and industrial fire safety.

CONDUCTING CONTROL (SUPERVISORY) ACTIVITIES IN RELATION TO LICENSEES

The article describes the conduct of control (supervisory) measures on the territory of the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass, as well as measures in relation to licensees (license applicants). A form of assessment of licensing requirements conformity is presented, which in turn is carried out in relation to the licensee to streamline the license register. The problems of regulating legal documents in the field of licensing due to the lack of a list of minimum equipment, tools, technical means, including measuring instruments, for carrying out work and providing services for extinguishing fires in settlements, industrial facilities and infrastructure facilities are disclosed. The problem of non-approved warning and inspection forms during preventive control (supervisory) measures, the lack of preventive conversation sheets and accounting logs during licensing is also considered.

Assessment of Fire Safety Preparedness and Risk Management in Caleb University Hostels

Fire safety in university hostels is a critical concern, particularly in developing countries where resources and awareness may be limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of fire safety measures in student hostels at Caleb University, Lagos, highlighting the current state of fire safety protocols and identifying areas for improvement. Employing a descriptive research design, the study gathered data from 329 respondents, including students and hostel staff, through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that while basic fire safety measures such as fire extinguishers are present, awareness and confidence in fire safety protocols among students are alarmingly low. A significant percentage of respondents (61.8%) expressed doubts about the effectiveness of existing measures, and only 6.7% reported participating in fire drills or training sessions. Furthermore, the study identified critical weaknesses in the current fire safety protocols, with 56.8% of students having experienced fire-related incidents during their residence. The research underscores the necessity for regular fire safety training, improved equipment maintenance, and enhanced communication of emergency procedures to ensure the safety and preparedness of hostel occupants. Recommendations include implementing mandatory fire drills, increasing the number of safety equipment, and collaborating with local fire authorities to develop comprehensive fire safety programs. This study contributes to the existing literature on fire safety in university settings and emphasizes the need for effective strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by educational institutions.

Exploring the influence of metal oxides on the pyrolytic behavior and decomposition mechanism of the green gas generating agent 5-Aminotetrazole

5-Aminotetrazole (5AT) is widely used as a green gas-generating agent in fire extinguishers, but it exhibits low combustion stability. To enhance its combustion rate and modify gas production performance, this study investigated the catalytic effects of adding different metal oxides (Bi2O3, PbO, TiO2, and CoO) on its pyrolysis process and decomposition mechanism. The pyrolysis behavior and pyrolysis products of 5AT were studied by simultaneous thermal analyzer (thermogravimetry - differential thermal analysis, TG-DTA) and TG-FTIR/MS (mass spectrometry and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) hyphenated instrument. Isoconversional methods were used to calculated kinetic parameters, and reaction mechanism was also speculated by combining the experimental and calculational results. The experimental results indicated that Bi2O3, PbO, TiO2 and CoO have minimal impact on the ring opening reaction process of 5AT, but they catalyzed the polymer decomposition process of 5AT, especially CoO. Consequently, the addition of metal oxides as catalysts to 5AT holds significant potential for improving its thermal safety and enhancing its suitability as a solid propellant gas generator.

Coupled Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms Application in the Field of Mine Fire Extinguishing

Coupled Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms Application in the Field of Mine Fire Extinguishing

The Mathematical Model Based on the Parameters of Simulation Results Predicts the Fire Extinguishing Resource Demand of Naval Fires

In recent years, due to the diversity of fire scenes in ports and ships, the problem of fire command is complicated. In the case of power failure, the original command platform and fire extinguishing system will not be able to be used normally, or the fire extinguishing resources carried by the ship when it is on fire cannot be used. In the traditional firefighting ability research, there is no clear measure of firefighting ability, resulting in inaccurate calculation results. By corresponding to the quantity and composition of resources for the study of fire extinguishing capability, the combination of the fire dynamics simulation software PyroSim2020 and a calculation model that converts its resources into the total amount and flow of fire extinguishing agent can be provided. Based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a firefighting demand grade calculation and judgment model was established, which included five factors: fire scale, combustion material characteristics, foam extinguishing agent performance, firefighting object characteristics, and external factors. It concluded that the demand assignment values of each index element were 2, 5, 6, 9, and 10, and further proposed the grade judgment criteria for the calculation results of comprehensive fire demand. Through the quantitative simulation of firefighting demand based on the fire scenario and calculation model test of the consumption prediction of cooperative firefighting equipment, it can also provide a strategic reference for related cooperative fire rescue.

Experimental study on fire extinguishing efficiency of polymer hydrogel fire extinguishing agent in pine-fir mixed coniferous forest fires

Experimental study on fire extinguishing efficiency of polymer hydrogel fire extinguishing agent in pine-fir mixed coniferous forest fires

Correlations between Bench-Scale and Large-Scale Extinction Metrics for Firefighting Foams

Locally weighted regressions (LWR) were calculated between MIL-PRF-24385 1.8 m diameter pool fire extinction results and various 19 cm pool fire metrics, as compiled in a recent database. The goal: to define correlations between bench and large-scale foam fire extinction experiments to improve bench-scale experiments to more rapidly screen the firefighting potential of environmentally-friendly foams. Bench-scale metrics included the area under the curve (AUC) for extinction time versus foam flow rate profiles, the average extinction times at binned foam flow rate ranges, and CO2-based extinction times, determined through tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) measurements above the pool fire. When cross-validation was implemented within the LWR algorithm, the AUC values, CO2-based extinction times, and extinction times for a flow rate-bin > 1500 ml/min showed the best correlations to large-scale data; however, the R2 values were all below 0.6, indicating a low level of correlation. Although differences between active versus passive firefighter and foam generation methods exist between the two scales, data accuracy and limited data are likely contributing the most to low R2 values. The LWR correlations are promising and can be improved with accurate data, providing confidence in bench-scale testing despite diminished radiation intensity and turbulence associated with larger fires.

UNDERSTANDING THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG NURSES ABOUT FIRE SAFETY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL LAHORE

Fire safety in healthcare facilities is an important but frequently disregarded part of hospital administration and patient care. Despite substantial study on different aspects of healthcare delivery, there is still a significant gap in understanding and measuring fire safety knowledge and practices among healthcare personnel, particularly in Pakistan's tertiary care facilities. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of fire safety knowledge among medical personnel at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, to identify any shortcomings that may affect their capacity to respond effectively in the event of a fire. Methods: A cross sectional quantitative descriptive study was conducted at Public Tertiary care hospital in Lahore involving 202 nurses. A customized questionnaire was administered to assess the participant’s fire safety knowledge, selected through successive sampling. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0, categorizing knowledge level as poor, average and good. Results: 85% of survey participants were aware of fire response procedures. However, only 15% knew the fire department contact numbers, and 25% were unaware that foam or water extinguishers are ineffective against grease fires. Additionally, a significant proportion of participants struggled to correctly identify different types of fire extinguishers (65%) and fire categories (50%). The finding underscore the importance of comprehensive fire safety training to address significant knowledge gaps. Conclusions: Healthcare institutions should develop comprehensive fire safety training programs that extend beyond basic emergency protocols. Regular fire drills and simulations should be held to check staff members' understanding and reinforce fire safety procedures. Administrators should examine and update fire safety protocols on a regular basis to reflect new technology, legislation, and lessons learnt from previous events.

Experimental study on the inhibition of hydrogen deflagration by flame retardant compounded ultrafine dry powder fire extinguishing media containing magnesium-aluminum hydrotalcite

Experimental study on the inhibition of hydrogen deflagration by flame retardant compounded ultrafine dry powder fire extinguishing media containing magnesium-aluminum hydrotalcite

Review of Domestic and Overseas Regulations and Technical Standards for Water Mist Fire Extinguishing Systems

The water mist system is an eco-friendly fire-extinguishing technology that suppresses fires using fine droplets with diameters of several hundred micrometers. This suppression occurs through a combination of smothering and cooling effects, as well as by blocking radiant heat. Compared to traditional water-based fire-extinguishing systems, water mist systems provide similar fire suppression capabilities while using only 10% of the water. Internationally, various organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization, Underwriters Laboratories, and Factory Mutual, have established standards and technical guidelines for water mist systems, outlining fire-testing methods and certification procedures. However, domestically, although standards and technical guidelines for water mist systems exist, specific requirements and procedures for certifying the performance of different types of protected objects have not yet been established. This gap has resulted in challenges across diverse operational environments where water mist systems are implemented, primarily due to the lack of clarity in technical standards. This study aims to compare and review the current regulations and standards for the design, manufacture, installation, certification, and maintenance of water mist systems, both domestically and internationally. It proposes a reasonable operational plan to broaden the applications of water mist systems in our country and contribute to the establishment of systematic and stable regulatory frameworks for their future use.

Planning And Installation of Water Spray System in The Underground for The Fire Hazard Prevention in PC. GKBI Production Unit

Fire is a serious risk that can cause great losses, both moral and material. This study evaluates fire prevention and control at PC. GKBI Medari, which recently experienced a major fire due to lack of fire detection. Using the AS/NZS 4360: 2004 method, nine hazards with high, medium, and low risks were found. In the underground area of the cambric factory, there are deficiencies in the existing fire extinguishing system, especially in dealing with invisible fires. Hot and dirty air is sucked and channelled through PVC ducts to the air filter, but this system is not effective in extinguishing fires. This study recommends the installation of water spray at several underground points to improve fire protection.

Numerical Study on the Effects of Horizontal Barriers on Fire Behavior in Logistics Facility Racks

In this study, a numerical analysis was conducted to derive the optimal installation conditions for flame-spread barriers within racks, to reduce the damage caused by recurrent fire accidents in logistics facilities. The effectiveness of the fire extinguishing system according to domestic regulations was reviewed to ensure the feasibility of installation of the horizontal barrier. This review revealed that sprinkler systems were ineffective in delaying or preventing the initial spread of fire under certain fire conditions, confirming the need for horizontal barriers. Furthermore, although the installation of horizontal barriers was effective in delaying the initial fire spread, it led to an increase in fire size by blocking the extinguishing water and altering the fire spread path. It was confirmed that deriving the optimal installation conditions for barriers requires the consideration of the interactions between the in-rack sprinkler heads and the surrounding fire extinguishing systems.

Management Ergonomics Sector Analysis Oil Palm Plantation

Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, significantly impacts global crude palm oil (CPO) production. Despite its economic value, manual labor in oil palm plantations often involves non-ergonomic practices, particularly in tasks like loading and unloading, leading to worker fatigue and increased risks of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This research aims to evaluate ergonomic risks and MSD prevalence among oil palm workers by analyzing body posture during daily tasks. Data were collected using the RULA method, Nordic Body Map, and environmental measurements, supported by interviews and observations. Findings reveal that improper lifting and posture during harvesting contribute to fatigue and MSDs among workers. Recommendations for improvement include regular ergonomic training, adjustments to work posture, and the addition of safety equipment like fire extinguishers. By implementing these changes, the study seeks to improve worker safety, minimize MSD occurrences, and boost productivity in oil palm plantations. These insights are vital for ensuring sustainable practices in the industry and promoting the well-being of plantation workers.

Geo-Fenced Aerial Fire Response System

Purpose: We aim to create a prototype of a fire extinguisher drone equipped with advanced geo-fencing technology explicitly designed for use in high-rise buildings. This drone will be capable of both ground movement and flight, allowing it to quickly navigate narrow spaces and difficult-to-reach areas. Methodology: The study involves an in-depth analysis of various drones, features, and geo-fencing to develop a prototype for precise and targeted fire suppression. The aim is to minimize the damage caused by fires and improve overall safety by enabling swift intervention, particularly in confined or elevated locations where traditional firefighting methods may face challenges. Findings: The prototype drone, equipped with geo-fencing capabilities, has demonstrated its ability to be efficiently deployed within specific, pre-defined areas, significantly improving its precision and effectiveness in targeted fire suppression. This feature ensures that the drone operates only within designated zones, reducing the risk of interference or wandering into unsafe areas. The drone is controlled remotely, allowing it to fly freely and access hard-to-reach locations quickly. A small surveillance camera mounted on the drone enhances its effectiveness by providing real-time visuals of the fire's location and intensity. This capability allows operators to assess the situation more accurately and deploy the necessary response measures, making the drone a powerful tool for modern firefighting operations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings from this prototype provide valuable insights that can shape the future of fire response mechanisms and drone designs. The drones can target fires while minimizing risks to firefighting personnel, and they can potentially revolutionize emergency response strategies. The ability to remotely control drones, equipped with geo-fencing and surveillance capabilities, reduces the need for human intervention in dangerous situations and improves the speed and accuracy of fire suppression efforts. Furthermore, this technology can be applied to detect and combat wildfires, helping to minimize their destructive impact by enabling quicker detection and targeted responses in remote or difficult-to-access areas. These advancements pave the way for safer and more efficient firefighting methods in the future.

Study on the relationship between surface tension and dilational visco‐elasticity with foam stability

AbstractThe replacement of fluorine‐free foam is imminent, but to date, no fluorine‐free foam has reached comparable fire extinguishing performance to AFFF (aqueous film forming foam). The stability of firefighting foam significantly affects its extinguishing performance. In order to better understand the influence of foam formulation physical properties on foam stability, we correlate the foam stability with surface tension and dilational visco‐elasticity based on the AFFF formulation. The results show that, the foam stability rising steadily with the decrease of surface tension, which indicates that low surface tension favors the improvement of foam stability. However, when at the studied highest surface tension, the foam stability elevates slightly instead, demonstrating the surface tension is not the determinant of foam stability. By contrast, the dilational visco‐elasticity shows a closer correlation with foam stability for the consistent tendency. In the case of constantly changing disturbance frequency, the interface dilational elasticity shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the rise of disturbance frequency, whereas the interface dilational viscosity is completely opposite. Different relaxation processes show up for different samples. More attention can be paid to the regulation of dilational visco‐elasticity in the development of fluorine‐free foams, so as to improve their extinguishing ability.

Physicochemical Properties of Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Based on Short Fluorocarbon Surfactant-Graft Hydrophilic Functional Groups.

The key components of aqueous film foaming foam extinguishing agents are fluorocarbon surfactants. Due to their toxicity and bioaccumulation, long-chain fluorocarbon surfactants have limited application prospects. Therefore, it is of great significance to study short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants as substitutes. In this work, three short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants with various hydrophilic groups and corresponding fire extinguishing agents were prepared. The physical and chemical properties of a single system and mixed system of fluorocarbon surfactants, including surface activity, spreading property, foaming property, 25% drainage time, and AFFF fire extinguishing property, were studied. For the results of the mixed systems, it was found that the critical micelle concentrations did not exceed 3.97 mmol/L and the minimum surface tension did not exceed 17.21 mN/m. Fluorocarbon surfactant solutions spread effectively on the surface of all fuels. The foam expansion is greater than 7.2, and the shortest of all 25% drainage times is 3.31 min. The extinguishing time of AFFFs on several fuel fires does not exceed 55 s, and the shortest burn-back time is 15.08 min. Anyways, these results indicate that the grafted hydrophilic short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants have significant application prospects in AFFFs.

Investigating the Potential Use of End-of-Life Fire Extinguisher Powder as a Soil Amendment in Different Soil Types: A New Approach Following a Circular Economy Model

A first attempt to assess the potential alternative use of fire extinguisher filler powder after its exhaustion has been investigated in the present research. The chemical composition of fire extinguisher filler powder, specifically type ABC 40%, consists of monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. As its nitrogen and phosphorus content is particularly high, the thought of its possible use as a fertilizer and/or a soil amendment is a challenge. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out and two leafy vegetables (spinach and lettuce) were used as biomarkers. Two soil samples from rural areas, one acidic (pH = 5.8 ± 0.1) and one alkaline (pH = 8.2 ± 0.7), were selected for the experiments. Filler powder from a used fire extinguisher was added to the soil samples in two levels (1 and 2% v/v). It was found that the addition of fire extinguisher filler powder caused no toxicity to either of the two plants studied. On the contrary, an increase in their above-ground biomass was observed, proportional to the amount of powder added. It was established that in the pots where the powder was added, in both plant species observed, the plant height, root length, and chlorophyll content of leaves increased, the total antioxidant capacity was enhanced, and the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate in the leaves and roots of plants also increased, compared to the soil without the addition of fire extinguisher powder. The early signs appear to be encouraging, as an increase was observed in almost all aspects. The mandatory end of the life cycle of the powder as a fire-extinguishing agent and its disposal is also a challenge in the context of the circular economy, as reducing the energy requirements for fertilizer production is one of the objectives of sustainable development.