Fire Risk Research Articles

FRAME-TOPSIS Methods as a Technique for Fire Risk Assessment and Prioritizing Preventive Measures: A Case Study in the Isfahan School of Health Library

FRAME-TOPSIS Methods as a Technique for Fire Risk Assessment and Prioritizing Preventive Measures: A Case Study in the Isfahan School of Health Library

Next-gen regional fire risk mapping: Integrating hyperspectral imagery and National Forest Inventory data to identify hot-spot wildland-urban interfaces

The increasing threat of high-severity wildfires in Mediterranean Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas demands to develop effective fire risk assessment and management strategies. Simultaneously, the newfound accessibility of spaceborne hyperspectral data represents a significant potential for generating fire severity assessments, whereas National Forest Inventories (NFI) offer a vast dataset related to vegetation and fuel loads, which is essential for shaping the planning and strategies of forest services. This research work aims to advance the state-of-the-art in WUI fire risk mapping in the western Mediterranean Basin by combining PRISMA spaceborne hyperspectral data and Spanish NFI data. The proposed methodology had three main stages: (i) fire severity assessment at local scale (a wildfire) by using PRISMA hyperspectral data and Multi-Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis (MESMA) leveraging field-based measurements of the Composite Burn Index (70 plots); (ii) development of a high fire severity probability map at regional scale from the extrapolation of a Random Forest predictive model calibrated from fire severity estimates, NFI data and topo-climatic variables at local scale (overall accuracy = 92 %; Kappa = 0.8); and (iii) identification and characterization of zones that concentrate WUIs with high probability of high fire severity if a fire event occurs (hot-spot WUIs) by crossing the information from the previous regional high fire severity probability map and a WUI cartography developed at regional scale. Study area was Castilla y León Autonomous Region (larger Spanish region, 94,226 km2), where the second-largest extreme Spanish wildfire event (28,000 ha) occurred. We identified hot-spot WUIs so that stakeholders and decision-makers could (i) prioritize resources and interventions for effective fire management and mitigation, (ii) allocate resources for prevention, and (iii) plan evacuation measures to safeguard lives and property. This study contributes to the development of next-generation fire risk assessment methods that combine remote sensing technologies with comprehensive ground-level datasets.

Advanced Fire & Gas Detection System

Abstract: This paper presents a cost-effective, user-friendly, and dependable fire and gas detection system leveraging the capabilities of an Arduino microcontroller. The system employs an MQ2 gas sensor module for gas detection and a flame sensor module for fire detection. Upon the detection of either gas or fire, the system initiates an alarm, activates LED indicators, and communicates the situation through a 16x2 LCD display. Furthermore, the system can be configured to issue SMS alerts to specific recipients. Designed for versatile applications, it finds utility in diverse settings, including residential, commercial, and educational environments. It exhibits proficiency in detecting an extensive array of gasses, encompassing methane, propane, and carbon monoxide, while also displaying sensitivity to various flame types, including those generated by wood, paper, and plastic. Installation and upkeep are straightforward, with the Arduino microcontroller and sensor modules easily adaptable to a small breadboard or circuit board. The strategically positioned LCD display and alarm ensure swift notifications to occupants in case of potential hazards. Notably, this system is budget-friendly, with the Arduino microcontroller and sensor modules available at reasonable prices from numerous online and retail suppliers. Rigorous testing has validated its effectiveness in gas and fire detection, establishing it as an invaluable asset for safeguarding lives and property against fire and gas-related risks

A Metal Accelerator Approach for Discharging Cylindrical Lithium-Ion Batteries in a Salt Solution

Recycling lithium-ion batteries provides sustainable raw materials. Crushing and separation are necessary for extracting metals, like lithium, from batteries. Crushing a battery carries a risk of fire or explosion. Fully discharging the battery is crucial for safe production. Discharging batteries in a salt solution is a simple and cost-effective large-scale process. However, it is important to note that there is a potential risk of corrosion and loss of battery elements when batteries are immersed in a salt solution. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of two distinct methodologies at enhancing the voltage drop of a cylindrical battery when immersed in a salt solution while preventing corrosion. These techniques involve the application of iron and copper accelerators. A 20 wt.% salt water solution was chosen based on the research of several researchers. As the current flows through the metal parts, it encounters electrical resistance and forms an electric circuit with the electrolyte solution. This interaction converts electrical energy into various physical–electrical–electrochemical phenomena, leading to a decrease in battery voltage. Research revealed that the battery can be discharged up to 100% within 4 h without causing corrosion to its components. Another point to note is that if copper conductors are used, it is possible to decrease the battery voltage by around 90% within 8 h. The gap between the copper conductor and the battery had a direct impact on the battery’s discharge rate. Reducing the distance significantly increased the discharge rate, as confirmed by experimental evidence. This discharge mechanism was thoroughly described in a schematic, and, to further explain the electrochemical reaction, the Pourbaix diagram was utilized for both the Fe-Na-Cl and Cu-Na-Cl systems. Moreover, our theoretical predictions were validated through a chemical and mineralogical analysis of the precipitates that formed in the solution.

Moderate Indian Ocean Dipole dominates spring fire weather conditions in southern Australia

Patterns of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) exhibit strong diversity, ranging from being dominated by the western tropical Indian ocean (WTIO) to by the eastern tropical Indian ocean. How the different types of the IOD variability patterns affect Australian fires differently is unknown, nor is it certain how the impacts may change under greenhouse warming. Here, we find that the moderate IOD, dominated by WTIO sea surface temperature (SST) variability, plays a primary role in affecting southern Australian fire weather conditions during austral spring. During a positive moderate IOD, broad-scaled warm SST anomalies in WTIO force an atmospheric stationary Rossby wave with a high-pressure anomaly over southern Australia. This elevated pressure and associated anomalous atmospheric conditions provide suitable fire weather with hot, dry, and windy conditions, raising fire risks in southern Australia. Such impact is distinctively different from that strong IOD-induced. As predicted by climate models, decreased moderate IOD variability in the future will result in weakened Australian fire weather responses.

Enhancing Forest Fire Risk Assessment: An Ontology-Based Approach with Improved Continuous Apriori Algorithm

Forest fires are sudden and difficult to extinguish, so early risk assessment is crucial. However, there are currently a lack of suitable knowledge-mining algorithms for forest fire risk assessment. This article proposes an improved continuous Apriori algorithm to mining forest fire rules by introducing prior knowledge to classify input data and enhance its ability to process continuous data. Meanwhile, it constructs an ontology to provide a standardized expression platform for forest fire risk assessment. The improved continuous Apriori algorithm cooperates with ontology and applies the mining rules to the forest fire risk assessment results. The proposed method is validated using the forest fire data from the Bejaia region in Algeria. The results show that the improved continuous Apriori algorithm is superior to the raw Apriori algorithm and can mine the rules ignored by the raw Apriori algorithm. Compared to the raw Apriori algorithm, the number of generated rules increased by 191.67%. The method presented here can be used to enhance forest fire risk assessments and contribute to the generation and sharing of forest-fire-related knowledge, thereby alleviating the problem of insufficient knowledge in forest fire risk assessment.

A Novel Benchmarking Approach to Assess Fire Safety of Liquid Electrolytes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractEstablishing authoritative electrolyte safety assessment methods at laboratory levels is crucial for addressing conflicts from thermal runaway of lithium‐ion batteries. However, self‐extinguishing time (SET), as the most widely used evaluation method now, lacks benchmarks and heavily relies on the specific implementation of test procedures. This work systematically summarizes and investigates key test parameters. Based on repeatability and reliability, burning a glassfiber separator (Φ16 mm) with absorption of 0.1 g liquid electrolyte (LE) can be proposed as a unified method. The concept of self‐extinguishing efficiency (SEE) is further proposed with a new evaluation criterion of i) SEE≤70, Flammable; ii) 70<SEE<90, Flame Retarded; iii) 90≤SEE≤100, Nonflammable. The feasibility of the new protocol is verified by employment in evaluating the effects of 15 representative flame retardants (FRs) on combustion behaviors of LEs. Meanwhile, the underlying flame retardancy mechanism is revealed, indicating that preceding or simultaneous vaporization and pyrolysis of FRs in conjunction with the decomposition of LE promote mitigating electrolyte fire risk. In addition, machine learning is employed to aid in analyzing the significance of various features on SEE, providing further validation of the proposed mechanism. This work provides a benchmark for the safety evaluation of LEs, facilitating the advancement of fire‐safe batteries.

Clinical Issues - June 2024.

Addressing pediatric perioperative anxiety Key words: pediatric patient, anxiety, parental presence, stress-diversion activities, anxiolytic medications. Using acupressure to reduce perioperative anxiety in children Key words: acupressure, anxiety, pediatric patient, complementary care interventions, acupressure wristband. Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric surgical patients Key words: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), pediatric patient, adenotonsillectomy, screening tool, polysomnography. Assessing fire risk Key words: fire risk assessment, fire prevention, algorithm, cognitive aid, fire triangle.

Review of ISO 45001:2018 Implementation as Prevention Effort from Fire Occurred in PT Pertamina (Persero) Refinery Unit VI Balongan

Abstract PT Pertamina Refinery Unit VI Balongan has made a significant contribution in providing good income for PT Pertamina and the state. A large number of petroleum processing products produced daily cause a high risk of fire. Fires and explosions at oil refineries are still common even though major oil companies have occupational safety and health systems in place. Monitoring errors and the absence of re-evaluation of established companies for a long time are the reasons why this can happen. This research uses a descriptive approach through literature studies to collect data and obtain the necessary information by studying various journals, conference proceedings, books, and written references. The results of the research were obtained by PT Pertamina Refinery Unit VI Balongan, which applies several rules regarding work safety from ISO 45001: 2018 based on technical and non-technical aspects. In the technical aspect, the rules include the installation of warning signs and signs, noise, temperature, lighting intensity and personal safety equipment. Meanwhile, the regulations include administration and licensing as Safe Work Permits in non-technical aspects. However, based on several parameters of the application of ISO 45001: 2018, aspects that do not meet the standards are found and can be a problem, resulting in the potential for fire. This study concluded that PT Pertamina Refinery Unit VI Balongan must be able to provide firmness in implementing work safety rules or procedures for its employees.

Quantitive HAZOP and D-S evidence theory-fault tree analysis approach to predict fire and explosion risk in inert gas system on-board tanker ship

Tanker ships carry volatile cargo, presenting inherent risks of fire and explosion. Inert gas systems (IGS) are pivotal in mitigating risks by displacing oxygen in cargo tanks. However, failure of IGS components may lead to fatal consequences such as loss of life and marine pollution. This paper prompts a systematic approach integrating Quantitative Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis under D-S (Dempster–Shafer) evidence theory and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to predict and quantify the fire and explosion risk associated with IGS malfunction on tanker ships. The methodology systematically evaluates failure probabilities, and consequences using HAZOP to identify critical scenarios. D-S evidence theory is employed to address uncertainties and incorporate expert knowledge into the analysis. FTA is applied to model fault propagation and assesses the likelihood of fire and explosion events based on the identified failure scenarios. A case study is presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology, illustrating effectiveness in identifying high-risk scenarios and providing insights for enhancing operational safety minimising the risk of IGS on tanker ships. The findings show that the risk of fire and explosion in the inert gas system due to the high concentration of oxygen entering the tank was found to be 2.86E-01. Besides its robust theoretical background, the findings of the paper provide the utmost contribution to ship crew, ship inspectors, HSEQ managers and safety professionals for proactive risk mitigation strategies, contributing to the advancement of safety management practices in the maritime industry.

Impact of air supply cessation time on thermal characteristics in coal mine dead-end roadway fires: An experimental study

Following a fire incident in a coal mine dead-end roadway, shutting down the local ventilator can influence fire progression. This study delves into the impact of local ventilator shutdown time (i.e. air supply cessation time) on fire source combustion dynamics through small-scale experiments. Results indicate that the sudden cessation of air supply will prompt ghosting flame and even fire self-extinguishing. The ghosting flame emerges due to the uneven distribution of fuel vapor and oxygen concentrations, its moving direction is related to ventilation conditions and fire source combustion mode. And the burning time of the fire source after air supply cessation diminishes with increasing air supply cessation time and pool size but increases with higher ventilation velocities. Additionally, sudden cessation of air supply decreases smoke oxygen content and significantly elevates CO levels, particularly impacting ventilation-controlled fires. Moreover, this interruption leads to a substantial rise in smoke temperature, heightening fire risk. Thus, prudent closure of the local ventilator in dead-end roadway fires is recommended, particularly in scenarios of inadequate ventilation and prolonged combustion. These findings offer fresh insights into dead-end roadway fire behavior and furnish valuable guidance for firefighting and rescue operations in similar structures.

Towards safer hydrogen refuelling stations: Insights from computational fluid dynamics on LH₂ leakage

Scaling hydrogen as a key clean energy carrier necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the safety aspects of hydrogen including liquid hydrogen (LH₂). Hence, this study presents a detailed computational fluid mechanics analysis to explore accidental LH₂ leakage and dispersion in a hydrogen refuelling station under varied conditions which is essential to prevent fire and explosion. The correlated impact of influential parameters including wind direction, wind velocity, leak direction, and leak rate were analysed. The study shows that hydrogen dispersion is significantly impacted by the combined effect of wind direction and surrounding structures. Additionally, the leak rate and leak direction have a significant effect on the development of the flammable cloud volume (FCV), which is critical for estimating the explosion hazards. Increasing wind velocity from 2 to 4 m/s at a constant leak rate of 0.06 kg/s results in an 82% reduction in FCV. The minimum FCV occurs when leak and wind directions oppose at 4 m/s. The most critical situation concerning FCV arises when the leak and wind directions are perpendicular, with a leak rate of 0.06 kg/s and a wind velocity of 2 m/s. These findings can aid in the development of optimised sensing and monitoring systems and operational strategies to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire and explosion consequences.

Tri-phase flame retardant system towards advanced energy-saving building materials with highly efficient fire and smoke toxicity reductions

The extensive usage of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) as an energy-saving building materials in construction has raised concerns about fire risks and toxic hazards. To address these challenges, a melamine-derived polyol (MADP) was synthesized using the Mannich reaction, resulting in inherently flame-retardant RPUF materials with the introduction of flame-retardant functional groups. Furthermore, a novel MoS2-Cu2O nanohybrid was prepared and employed to enhance flame retardancy and suppress smoke toxicity in RPUF through a cooperative effect with expandable graphite (EG). The resulting M-RPUF/EG/MoS2-Cu2O nanocomposite exhibited remarkable fire safety, as evidenced by significant reductions in peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), total smoke production (TSP), and peak carbon monoxide (CO) release, amounting to 76.9 %, 64 %, 82 %, and 99 % respectively, compared to pristine RPUF. Furthermore, the nanocomposite effectively addressed interfacial defects and significantly enhanced the mechanical property and thermal stability. The significant improvement in fire safety is mainly ascribed to the catalytic charring effect of MADP and EG, as well as the catalytic oxidation of MoS2-Cu2O nanohybrids, resulting in the formation of a thermally stable protective layer in the condensed phase. Based on these results, the integration of the tri-phase flame retardant system holds great potential for advancing the development of fire-safe polyurethane materials.

The Effectiveness of Methods Designed to Predict Forest Fire Risk: A Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms

The Effectiveness of Methods Designed to Predict Forest Fire Risk: A Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms

DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFORMATION PORTAL “KAZGEOWARNING” FOR FORECASTING FIRES ON THE TERRITORY OF KAZAKHSTAN

This article presents the development of an information system tailored for predicting and managing forest fires in Kazakhstan. The system's primary objective is to establish an information portal dedicated to fire forecasting, enhancing the accuracy of predictions and timely warnings. To achieve this, the system focuses on tasks such as predicting the likelihood of forest and steppe fires, monitoring environmental changes in real-time, and visualising the current situation on maps. It also generates comprehensive reports detailing fire risk, available resources, and necessary measures. Users will receive alerts about potential fire threats, facilitating rapid response. The system's data analysis incorporates geographical and climatic factors for precise forecasting. The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce the environmental and economic impact of forest fires in the country, emphasising the creation of a versatile platform for swift emergency response, integrating modern technologies into practical use. The practical significance encompasses improved fire warnings, enhanced safety for both the population and nature, and a reduction in economic losses. The accompanying website serves as a dynamic platform to collect, analyse, and visualise real-time data on disasters and crises, providing users with geographic information, maps, and reports crucial for making informed decisions during emergency situations.

Post Fire Assessment of RCC Buildings Through Rapid Visual Screening

The effectiveness of rapid visual screening (RVS) in determining the fire risk of reinforced concrete (RCC) buildings is examined in this review. RVS provides a quick and practical approach to evaluate fire risks, addressing the shortcomings of traditional methods. Through a comprehensive examination of methodology, advantages, limitations, and future directions, this study aims to enhance understanding and application of RVS in fire assessment. The study employs a systematic approach to evaluate the effectiveness of RVS, analyzing its application in assessing fire vulnerability in RCC structures. Key aspects of RVS methodology, including visual inspection, identification of structural vulnerabilities, and categorization of damage, scrutinized. A case study of the Chopasani Housing Boards building in Jodhpur provides empirical evidence of RVS's utility in identifying fire-related structural vulnerabilities. The concluded, the analysis reveals that RVS effectively categorizes fire-induced damage in RCC buildings, facilitating prioritization of mitigation efforts. Damage classifications, ranging from mild to extreme, are discerned through RVS, underscoring its ability to swiftly assess structural vulnerabilities. Additionally, RVS analysis elucidates the residual strength of RCC components post-incident, providing valuable insights for retrofitting and maintenance efforts. Overall, this study highlights the pivotal role of RVS in bolstering structural fire safety measures, emphasizing its practicality, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. However, limitations such as subjectivity and inadequate assessment of complex structures necessitate ongoing refinement and integration with advanced technologies. The findings underscore the importance of RVS in enhancing fire safety assessment practices and mitigating fire risks in urban buildings, particularly in the context of reinforced concrete structures.

Worldwide scientific landscape on fires in photovoltaic

The rapid growth of photovoltaic (PV) technology in recent years called for a comprehensive assessment of the global scientific landscape on fires associated with PV energy installations. This study examines the scientific literature indexed in Scopus from 1983 to 2023. It reveals a striking increase in output since 2011, with nearly one hundred publications in the most recent year under review. This growth of interest has occurred in parallel with the global expansion of photovoltaics. The majority of studies in this field are classified as engineering, with 34% of publications in this area. The USA leads the way with over 160 publications, followed by China with 125. Two institutions in the USA are particularly prominent in this field: Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico with 22 publications, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado with 16 publications. The second institution is the University of Science and Technology of China, which has published 17 articles on the subject. A close examination of the evolution of keywords reveals a remarkable transformation in the scientific landscape over the past 10 years, from 2013 to 2023. The evolution of keywords suggests a maturation in the understanding of fire risks associated with photovoltaic energy. A total of seven scientific communities have been identified in which these works are grouped according to their keywords. These include Fire and Energy Storage, PV faults, Fire resistance, Fire hazard, Fire detectors, Deep learning, and Fire safety. It has been found that fires caused by PV installations are not listed as a cause of fire starts. This should be taken into account when conducting preventive analyses of this potential danger, particularly in light of the possible development of agrivoltaics, where facilities will be mainly located in the natural environment.

Innovative multifunctional fire retardance of poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate)-based bio-composite formulation

Poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable aromatic-aliphatic copolyester, has been widely applied in various fields, but it shows the flammability, resulting in serious fire risk. The flame retardancy of some PBAT/polymer blend systems have been studied, but that of neat PBAT was seldom reported. In particular, the research and development of the bio-based green flame retardant agent is highly desired. In this work, fully bio-derived modified chitosan particles (C-CS), were synthesized and used to prepare a novel PBAT-based multifunctional flame-retardant composite. The PBAT/3%C-CS composite (PC3) exhibited an excellent anti-dripping and self-extinguishing performance and achieved the highest fire safety rating (V-0). Peak of heat release rate and total heat release reduced by 39.8 % and 14.9 %, respectively. The char residue yield of the PC3 increased by 211.6 % in the PC3, compared with that of neat PBAT. Both condensed- and gas-phase played dual roles on increasing the flame-retardant performance of the PC3. The PC3 showed a relatively compact and continuous char layer which acted as a physical barrier to suppress the heat exchange and O2 entry (into the matrix) in the combustion process. Meanwhile, the concentration of O2 and H·/HO· free radicals were diluted by a small portion of non-flammable gas products in the pyrolysis process. Also, the PC3 presented elevated crystallizability and anti-bacterial effect, and reduced UV-transmittance characteristic.

Geospatial forest fire risk assessment and zoning by integrating MaxEnt in Gorkha District, Nepal

Forest fires are an imminent danger to natural forest ecosystems, and carrying out zoning studies and forest fire risk assessments are of great practical significance in steering fire prevention, minimizing fire incidents, and limiting the environmental consequences of fire. Using the Gorkha district of Nepal as a case study, this study used remotely sensed high-temperature fire data as the forest fire sample. Nine parameters related to topography, climatic conditions, vegetation, and human intervention were used as environmental variables affecting fire occurrence. Next, a MaxEnt forest fire risk assessment model was generated with GIS and R, which analysed the contribution, significance, and responses of environmental variables to the forest fire in Gorkha District. The findings demonstrate that (1) following a test of sample locations for forest fires, the MaxEnt model has excellent relevance and practicality when applied to fire risk assessment; (2) Out of 2747 fire points in the forest, only 110 Spatio-temporally independent fire points were used for the model building having high and normal confidence level. Regarding Area Under Curve (AUC) values, the training data yielded results of 0.875, while the test data produced acceptable results of 0.861 with a standard deviation of 0.0322; (3) the importance of climatic and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) variables to forest fire are 56.2 % and 32.9 %, respectively, and their contribution to forest fire are 32 % and 47.6 %, respectively. (4) There are numerous and intricate ways that environmental factors influence forest fires. The forest fire response curves to the nine chosen environmental variables are complex and nonlinear rather than linear; Maximum temperature of the warmest month (bio_5), Isothermality (bio_3), Precipitation of Driest Quarter (bio_17) and mean Diurnal Range (bio_2) bear a nonlinear positive link with the possibility of forest fires. In contrast, elevation, slope, temperature seasonality (bio_4), distance from the settlement, and LULC have a favorable stimulating response to the possibility of forest fires within an appropriate interval. (5) In Gorkha, there are geographical differences in the risk of forest fires. Only 12.83 % of the whole area is made up of areas at significantly high risk or above, compared to 87.17 % for high-risk and below.

A holistic safety assessment for cargo holds and decks fire & explosion risks under fuzzy Bayesian network approach

Fire and explosion are one of the fatal causalities frequently encountered in maritime transportation. Due to technical or/and human error, fire and explosion can be occurred either in the cargo hold or deck of bulk carriers. According to the EMSA report (2022), fire and explosion causalities were ranked 4th on the top. Fire and explosion accidents onboard may pose hazards for human life and the maritime environment. In this context, performing a comprehensive risk assessment is of paramount importance for safer navigation, cargo operation, and the marine environment. This study aims to assess the risks, including human errors, of fire and explosion accidents in cargo holds and decks of bulk carriers under the fuzzy Bayesian networks (BN) approach. Since BN provides a robust tool for calculating the conditional probability of risk, fuzzy sets deal with uncertainty and ambiguity during expert judgments. The outcomes of the paper are expected to contribute to bulk carrier ship owners, safety superintendents, HSEQ managers, Master, Chief officers, and crew on-board ships to understand basic events that may cause fire and explosion and to improve safety at the operational level.