|
|
- Info
A model for assessing potential structure ignitions in the wildland/urban interface.
| Author: |
Cohen, J.D.; Chase, R.A. ; LeVan, S.L.; Tran, H.C. |
| Date: |
1991 |
| Periodical: |
In: Proceedings of the 11th Conference on Fire and Forest Meteorology; 1991 April 16-19; Missoula, MT |
| Abstract: |
The loss of structures during wildland fires is a growing national problem involving a variety of structural, topographic, fuels, and fire behavior characteristics. Planners, developers, fire agencies, and homeowners need a way to consistently evaluate the risk of structure ignitions. A team of USDA Forest Service research scientists designed the Structure Ignition Assessment Model (SIAM) that comprehensively addresses potential structure ignitions for specific structure/site situations. The SIAM uses an analytical approach in accounting for the dominant characteristics and interactions of the structure, fire, and site that influence structure ignitions in the wildland urban interface. The SIAM is organized into three linked modules: 1) the environmental module that describes the structure, site, and fire behavior, 2) the heat transfer module that describes the radiant and convective structural heating, and 3) the structural response module that describes the relative potential for ignitions due to radioactive and convective heat fluxes and fire brands. A lap-top computer version of the SIAM will allow on-site assessments of the site-specific ignition hazard. |
|
