- Author
- Mohammadi, J. | Alayasin, S. | Bak, D. N.
- Title
- Investigation of Cause and Effects of Fires Following the Loma Prieta Earthquake. Final Report.
- Coporate
- IIT Research Inst., Chicago, IL
- Sponsor
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC
- Report
- NSF/ENG-92007, May 1992, 194 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- earthquakes | risks | electric wire | electrical equipment
- Identifiers
- Loma Prieta earthquake, San Francisco, October 17, 1989; mitigation; overturned or disrupted appliances
- Abstract
- This study investigated the causes and effects of the 41 San Francisco fires following the October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and examined the risks for future post-earthquake fire in this city. Using data gathered from fire departments and other sources, the authors found that these fires were due to damages to electrical wiring or electrical equipment, overturned or disrupted appliances, and several isolated causes. For esch fire, they examined the classification type, intensity of ground motion, soil type, and type of structure burned, and with this information constructed a risk model for simulating initiation of ther potential post-earthquake residential fires. Employing event trees and other models for gas and electrical fire initiation, in conjunction with probabilities associated with various earthquake ground acceleration levels, the authors computed the probabilities for future occurrences. The study noted that such information can provide the basis for earthquake preparedness, such as in helping to plan fire fighting strategies, alternative transportation routes, shelter and hospital services, evacuation procedures, and also aid in assessing which residential services and/or equipment are needed to reduce risk in localities vulnerable to earthquakes.