- Author
- Bryan, J. L. | Milke, J. A.
- Title
- Examination and Analysis of the Dynamics of the Human Behavior in the Fire Incident in the Diagnostic Center of The Patuxent Institute on March 5, 1980.
- Coporate
- Maryland Univ., College Park
- Sponsor
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- NBS GCR 80-276, June 30, 1980, 40 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Contract
- GRANT-79014
- Keywords
- smoke | evacuation | fire extinguishers | fire investigations | alarm responses
- Abstract
- This fire incident in the Diagnostic Center Building at the Patuxent Institute on March 5, 1980 was initially detected by a correctional Officer in the guard station of the visitor's room in the basement at approximately 1020. The officer directed a visitor to leave and notified the building control center. Three correctional officers responded with two converted pressurized water 2 & 1/2 gallon extinguishers. The extinguishers were not able to produce an effective stream of water. The control center was notified to initiate the facility emergency procedures and three additional correctional officers responded with two dry chemical 2A, 10BC (11) extinguishers and one 15 pound CO2, listed (14) extinguisher. These extinguishers were discharged on the flames with marginal effects. The correctional captain notified the control center to phone the Houward County Fire Department. The correctional officers evacuated from the visitors room and initiated the evacuation of approximately fifty staff personnel from the first floor. These personnel were moved through smoke during the evacuation. The fire department extinguished the fire in the basement vistors room with one 1 and 1/2 inch hose line and one 2 inch hose line after a delayed interior attack due to the building security features. A second alarm response was initiated as a precautionary measure. Fire Department personnel assisted correctional officers in the evacuation of the seventeen inmates from the hospital area on the second floor of the protected noncombustible constructed building.