Unintentional Fire Research Articles

Effect of Elevated Temperature on The Strength Behavior of Fly-Ash Modified Cement Mortar

The compressive strength (CS) is a great importance parameter for devising concrete constructions. The concrete frameworks may be exposed to unintentional fire hazards and explosions throughout their worship life. The components of the building include columns, beams and slabs will be exposed to extreme heat in the accidental case of fire hazard. To ensure the execution of concrete construction, it is crucial to comprehend the modifications to the characteristics of concrete under extreme temperature exposure. This study aims to investigate the effects of variation of temperatures, water/cement (w/c) ratios and variation of fly ash on the compressive strength of cement mortar. Fly ash percentages of 0%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% were taken into consideration. The ratios of cement to water were evaluated as follows: 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, and 0.55. The following temperature ranges were taken into consideration: 25 °C, 100 °C, 200 °C, 350 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C. The test's findings show that, up to 200 °C, the compressive strength of cement mortar with various w/c ratios improves. The strength behavior of concrete increases up to w/c ratio 0.45 and then decreases gradually with the increases in water cement ratios. The strength properties of concrete increase in temperature at up to 200 °C, then decrease gradually with the increases in temperature. Conversely, though above 200˚C, compressive strength decreases gradually with the elevation of temperature.

A review of the science and clinical use of alcohol-based hand rubs

Alcohol has a longstanding history as an antiseptic, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked a renewed interest in its use as a hand sanitizer. Alcohol works by denaturing protein and rendering cell membranes permeable. It offers excellent germicidal effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, and lipid-containing viruses. However, it is less reliable against non-lipid containing viruses and is ineffective against bacterial and fungal spores. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) usually contains 60–90% isopropanol or ethanol. Additives such as chlorhexidine to complement the action of alcohol and emollients to ameliorate the drying effect of alcohol are often included to improve the formulation of ABHR. In the clinical setting, ABHR provides biocidal activity against multidrug resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as well as viruses like human coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and Middle East respiratory syndrome. Moreover, its use is associated with an improved compliance with hand hygiene, which has been shown to translate into better patient outcomes. However, there are cases of intoxications secondary to ingestion of ABHR or adulterated alcohol when resources are diverted away from the normal beverage production to meet the increased need for hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of unintentional topical absorption and fire hazard among healthcare workers is low but should not be ignored. We proposed recommendations to mitigate the risk of ABHR ingestion and poisoning as well as that of fire hazard.

Fire injury analysis

SummaryIn this paper, we examine unintentional dwelling fire injuries during the period 2006 to 2016 in Merseyside, in the North West of England. Overall, it appeared that deprivation was a significant factor in unintentional fire injuries over the period studied, with 52% of fire injuries occurring in areas with the highest level of deprivation. Males and females appeared equally likely to be injured in an unintentional dwelling fire, however, males were twice as likely to be injured in an alcohol and drug‐related fire incident, or injured attempting to fight a dwelling fire than females. In terms of the age profile of those injured in unintentional dwelling fires, the group with the highest level of fire injuries was the elderly (29% of injuries), followed by those aged 25 to 45 (28% of injuries), then those aged 45 to 65 (23% of injuries), then young persons (aged up to 24) (20% of injuries).

Long‐term monitoring of a highly invaded annual grassland community through drought, before and after an unintentional fire

AbstractQuestions(a) How did seedling numbers and species composition change in the first year after a wildfire during drought, relative to pre‐fire variation? (b) Has the community returned to pre‐fire composition after five years? (c) Has the degree of dominance by exotic annual grasses changed? (d) Is there any evidence that drought conditions affected community cover, before or after fire?LocationExotic‐dominated annual grassland in southern California, USA.MethodsWe monitored community cover and native annual forb densities for four years before and four (cover) to five (densities) years after an unintentional fire (fall 2013) coinciding with the spring 2012–2019 California drought. We also measured seedling emergence both before and during the first year post‐fire. We assessed post‐fire changes in cover and density relative to pre‐fire variation, and tested correlations between community cover and annual rainfall measures.ResultsSeedling emergence declined strongly after fire for exotic grasses, but remained stable for exotic forbs. Seedling densities of the most common native forbs declined, but several previously‐rare natives increased. Community cover initially shifted towards the exotic forbs Erodium spp., then returned to higher exotic grass densities. Yet the previously dominant Bromus diandrus declined steeply, even as other exotic grasses and some native forbs increased. Up to five years after fire, relative cover and abundance of the most common exotic and native species still differed from pre‐fire composition. Common species were uncorrelated with annual precipitation, but several may have responded to shorter growing seasons.ConclusionsImmediate post‐fire conditions favoured exotic and native forbs over grasses, as predicted. Yet in contrast to many previous studies, the community did not return quickly to pre‐fire composition but showed persistent changes that favoured neither natives nor exotics. Our results suggest post‐fire recovery in this habitat may be contingent on abiotic conditions, with drought one potential explanation for changes.

Unintentional residential fires caused by smoking-related materials: Who is at risk?

Discarded cigarettes have been reported consistently as the leading cause of unintentional residential fire deaths; however, little is known about the risk factors of unintentional residential fires caused by smoking-related materials (i.e. smoking material fires, SMFs). Detailed data was coded from coronial files and this study focused on the 215 unintentional residential fires in the database which involved only single fatalities, with eighty-five of these being SMFs. This study is unique in using odds ratio (OR) analyses to investigate the size and relative importance of risk factors associated with SMFs. Seven out of 17 variables tested were significantly associated with SMFs compared to Non-SMFs, including being asleep (OR =15.37), bedroom/ lounge room being the room of fire origin (OR =10.29), alcohol intake (OR =3.42), psychotropic and sedative drugs intake (OR =3.35), mental illness (OR =3.18), being aged between 18 and 65 (OR =2.57), and being male (OR =1.81). Tests for mediation effect of alcohol intake and being asleep further clarify the nature of the relationship between age group and SMFs. Results revealed that individuals who had died in SMFs were more likely to present with multiple impairments compared to those who had died in non-SMFs. Further, significant associations between mental illness, psychotropic and sedative drug intake and the risk of SMFs were found. The comparative role of these risk factors provides an evidence-base for SMF prevention programs.

Identifying Household Level Risk Factors for Unintentional House Fire Incidents, Injuries and Fatalities

ABSTRACTObjectivesUnintentional house fire incidents, injuries and deaths are a serious public health concern in the UK, which disproportionally affect certain groups in the population. Whilst house fires have decreased in recent years; growing financial pressures in the Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) have resulted in funds dedicated to fire preventative activities becoming increasingly limited. To ensure ever limiting resources are targeted towards those households at greatest risk, it is essential the FRSs’ are accurately informed about the types of household at increased risk. The aim of this project is to undertake a large-scale case-control study, to identify the distinguishing household level risk factors associated with unintentional house fire incidents, injuries and deaths.
 ApproachUnintentional house fire incidents reported to the Welsh FRS between the years 2003-2008, were anonymised and incorporated into the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank at the Farr Institute, Swansea University. 6943 case households (households which reported a fire to the FRS) were time-matched to 347,150 control households (case:control ratio 1:50). Individuals registered as living at these properties on the date of the fire were established using the Welsh Demographic Service (WDS) dataset. Household level variables will be created by linking case and control households to other demographic, health, educational and environmental datasets in SAIL. Conditional Logistic Regression will be used to estimate matched odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
 ResultsPotential risk factor variables were selected on the basis of a systematic review and theoretically plausible variables. Covariates include: household composition (e.g. age and gender of residents), socioeconomic status, educational attainment, smoking, alcohol consumption, mental health conditions, other health related conditions, mobility and sensory impairments and property related characteristics. Fire related circumstances (e.g. fire ignition source, presence of a smoke alarm) will also be investigated in logistic regression models exploring risk factors for injury and death. Results will be presented at the conference.
 ConclusionThis is the first large-scale analysis of risk factors for unintentional house fire incidents, injuries and deaths. The findings from this project will be translated into comprehensible infographics, designed to support the FRSs, other partner organisations and the general public, recognise high risk households in need of preventative interventions.

Risk factors associated with unintentional house fire incidents, injuries and deaths in high-income countries: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo identify the distinguishing risk factors associated with unintentional house fire incidents, injuries and deaths.Study designSystematic review.MethodsA range of bibliographical databases and grey literature were searched from their earliest records...

El papel del fuego en los enterramientos neolíticos finales/ calcolíticos iniciales de los abrigos de la Sierra de Cantabria y sus estribaciones (valle medio-alto del Ebro)

The traces of fire affecting human bones from five Late Neolithic/Early Chalcolithic burial rockshelters of the Sierra de Cantabria and its foothills (Las Yurdinas II, Los Husos I, Los Husos II, Pena Larga and La Pena de Maranon) are analysed through parameters determined by forensic experimentation. The results show that in some burials (Los Husos II, La Pena de Maranon) little time elapsed between the deposit and the cremation of the bodies. This is consistent with in situ burning when bones still were ‘fresh’ and suggests that cremation was related to the intentional closing of burial use of the sites. In other cave deposits, however, fire appears to be applied to dry bones. Unintentional fire cannot be rejected as an explanation of the evidence in the latter cases.

Carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in the United States, 1999 to 2012

BackgroundUnintentional, non-fire related (UNFR) carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning deaths are preventable. Surveillance of the populations most at-risk for unintentional, non-fire related (UNFR) carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is crucial for targeting prevention efforts. ObjectiveThis study provides estimates on UNFR CO poisoning mortality in the United States and characterizes the at-risk populations. MethodsWe used 1999 to 2012 data to calculate death rates. We used underlying and multiple conditions variables from death records to identify UNFR CO poisoning cases. ResultsFor this study, we identified 6136 CO poisoning fatalities during 1999 to 2012 resulting in an average of 438 deaths annually. The annual average age-adjusted death rate was 1.48 deaths per million. Fifty four percent of the deaths occurred in a home. Age-adjusted death rates were highest for males (2.21 deaths per million) and non-Hispanic blacks (1.74 deaths per million). The age-specific death rate was highest for those aged ≥85 years (6.00 deaths per million). The annual rate of UNFR CO poisoning deaths did not change substantially during the study period, but we observed a decrease in the rate of suicide and unintentional fire related cases. ConclusionCO poisoning was the second most common non-medicinal poisonings death. Developing and enhancing current public health interventions could reduce ongoing exposures to CO from common sources, such as those in the residential setting.

The socio-ecological drivers of forest degradation in part of the tropical peatlands of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Connections between human activities (social systems) and nature (ecological systems) are key factors affecting forest-cover change in tropical peatland ecosystems. However, the complexity of these socio-ecological factors is often poorly understood. This study identifies the socio-ecological factors influencing land-cover change in the ex-Mega Rice Project area of Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. A systems thinking approach was used to construct two causal loop diagrams to assess the interrelationships between land-cover change, actors' choice and their motivation to convert land cover. The analysis reveals that current community livelihood activities to improve welfare and maintain food availability are the main endogenous drivers of land-and forest-cover change in the study area. Unintentional fire resulting from uncontrolled slash-and-burn practices by local communities is the main mechanism of forest-cover change. Land tenure uncertainty has also accelerated community land claiming using fire. Our analysis indicates that forest access, commodity prices and rainfall patterns are dominant exogenous drivers of land-cover change. Programmes that emphasize sustainable sources of food and income for local communities in conjunction with physical peatland restoration activities, such as drainage canal-blocking and reforestation, should be the key features of interventions aimed at preventing further peatland degradation.

Identifying residences at increased risk of experiencing an unintentional house fire incident, death or injury

BackgroundAlthough a large body of literature exists for individual-level risk factors associated with fire-related death and injury; few studies have explored household-level risk factors, or distinguished risk factors for different...

A micro initiator realized by reactive Ni/Al nanolaminates

This study described a micro initiator realized by reactive Ni/Al nanolaminates. A self-propagating reaction can be triggered in the Ni/Al film by applying a DC voltage of 1.5 V. This exothermic reaction can raise the temperature of the film (10 μm in thickness) surface to as high as 622 K. The measured ignition power to start the self-propagating reaction in the film was 3 mW with an ignition delay of around 0.63 s. The small ignition energy required and the large energy output make the Ni/Al film superior to the current resistive heater based initiators. Numerical simulation results demonstrated that different temperatures can be achieved by simply alternating the film thickness and the localization of high temperature exposure was realized to avoid unintentional fire of adjacent initiators. These findings were confirmed by the experiment using thermal indicators.

An exploration of causal factors in unintentional dwelling fires

We examine the causal factors involved in unintentional dwelling fire incidents within the Merseyside area of the North West region of the United Kingdom. The approach of all-subsets multiple linear regression was used to develop an unintentional dwelling fire risk model for the region. The risk model was based on data obtained from UK government agencies relating to causal factors identified by earlier published studies. In the region studied, mental health problems, disability and residents living alone were the most significant factors associated with unintentional dwelling fire fatalities. However, in a separate model of the incidence of unintentional dwelling fires within the region, binge drinking and smoking were additional statistically significant factors.

Managing unintentional dwelling fire risk

In this paper, we examine the management of unintentional dwelling fire risk through the development of a geographical information system (GIS) for dwelling fire prevention support based upon an 18-month case study in a UK fire and rescue service. Previous research into causal factors in unintentional dwelling fire incidents was used to guide the development of a multiple linear regression risk model for dwelling fire incidents that was the basis of the GIS developed. The GIS provided a more detailed analysis of unintentional dwelling fire risk factors, and enabled more targeted fire prevention activities for the identified at-risk social groups.

Social Capital and Fire Service Performance: Evidence from the U.S. States

Objective. The present study evaluates whether areas with high levels of social capital are likely to have better fire service performance. Method. Utilizing Robert Putnam's 14-measure index of social capital, OLS regression techniques are applied to objective data on the rate of unintentional fire deaths in the U.S. states between 1980 and 2003. Results. The findings show that social capital is associated with a low unintentional fire death rate, even when controlling for a range of important environmental constraints. However, the effects of social capital vary by its conceptual components. Conclusions. The study supports the argument that social capital is likely to be an important determinant of fire service outcomes, and suggests that the political engagement and social trust components may be the most important focus for public policies seeking to build social capital in order to reduce fire fatalities.

Victim Behaviours, Intentionality, AndDifferential Risks In Residential Fire Deaths

The majority of fire deaths in New Zealand occur in residential structures. These are seen as largely preventable and are a basis for fire safety and prevention strategies. While such strategies have emphasised technological and engineering solutions (i.e. smoke alarms, egress standards, building code reform), there has been a lesser consideration of victim behaviours as a key factor in fire safety and prevention. This paper reports on a study of behavioural factors in all unintentional residential fire deaths from 1997-2003 in which inquest reports were examined to determine a range of demographic, fire dynamic, forensic, and behavioural features in 131 cases. The results support other findings which highlight the potent role of victim behaviours in fire ignition and spread, and in fatal outcomes. Significant factors identified include alcohol consumption, acts of omission, carelessness, dangerous habitual behaviours, and consequences of disabilities. A dichotomy between intentional and unintentional fires was not supported, as several cases fell into a borderline group whose role in fire causation was established (although intent to harm was not). Features of this group included attention seeking, irrational behaviour, and diminished cognitive/intellectual capacities. Those identified as being differentially at most risk of residential fire deaths were the young, the elderly, the disabled, and lower socioeconomic groups. Effective safety and prevention strategies must address specific behavioural characteristics of these disparate groups, especially sociopsychological processes, attitudes, and cognitive patterns that contribute to elevated fire risks. The theoretical and applied implications of these findings are discussed as part of a wider approach to fire safety and prevention strategies.

An analysis of fatal unintentional dwelling fires investigated by London Fire Brigade between 1996 and 2000

London is a large capital city with a population of approximately seven million people. It shares many problems with other large cities around the world, including deaths due to fire. Many of these fire deaths can be linked to social problems such as poor housing, loneliness, illness, etc. Data from the London Fire Brigade Real Fire Library—a unique database of information collected from real fire incidents by dedicated teams of fire investigators operating in the Greater London Area has been used to obtain a range of statistics about fatal fires and fire death victims for the 5-year period from 1996 to 2000. Most deaths occurred in unintentional dwelling fires. The statistical information has therefore been analysed to identify the main factors involved as to why people die in unintentional dwelling fires and see what lessons can be learnt from these deaths. Common risk factors identified in the unintentional dwelling fire deaths investigated include smoking, alcohol, old age, disability, illness, living alone, social deprivation and not having a working smoke alarm fitted. Comparisons are also made with the results found from other studies and measures for preventing unintentional dwelling fire deaths are examined.

Socioeconomic deprivation and fatal unintentional domestic fire incidents in New Zealand 1993–1998

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and risk of an unintentional fatal domestic fire incident. Addresses of unintentional fatal domestic fire incidents were geocoded to small area (census meshblock) level and analysed with the New Zealand index of socioeconomic deprivation. Fatal unintentional domestic fire incidents occurred disproportionately in dwellings in the most socioeconomically deprived meshblocks. Annual rates of fatal unintentional fire incidents per 100,000 households in the most deprived decile were significantly higher than rates in the least deprived decile (RR 5.6, 95%CI 1.9–16). Strategies to prevent fire related deaths must overcome barriers to household fire safety in population groups experiencing increased risk, including the socioeconomically deprived, seniors, and ethnic minorities. Specific intervention strategies relevant to risks associated with socioeconomic deprivation include improving quality and affordability of housing; increasing prevalence of installed and functioning smoke detectors; and regulation of specific characteristics of cigarettes to reduce risk of ignition from abandoned heat sources. Substantial progress awaits reduction of the underlying socioeconomic determinants of disadvantage.