- Author
-
Alletto, W. C.
|
Corey, R.
|
Herndon, J.
|
Kennedy, P. M.
|
Ward, J.
- Title
- Program for the Study of Fire Patterns. Appendix A. Draft Statement of Work.
- Coporate
- Chicago Fire Dept., IL
State Police, MA
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Washington, DC
National Association of Fire Investigators, Chicago, IL
Universal Fire Specialists, Inc., TX
- Report
-
Appendix A; Draft Statement of Work,
April 1, 1994,
14 p.
- Keywords
-
pattern recognition
|
fire investigators
|
arson
|
ignition sources
|
test facilities
|
safety
|
instruments
|
data analysis
|
room fires
|
experiments
|
specifications
- Identifiers
- test room description; test room specification; baseline and pattern analysis test matrix; processing the scene; observations and data gathering
- Abstract
- Fire and arson investigators often rely on fire patterns to determine the origin of fires. Fire patterns are visible manifestations of the heat and smoke produced by the fire which remain on room interior surfaces and furnishings after the fire is extinguished. This program covers a series of full-scale compartment (room) fire tests that are designed to evaluate the fire characteristics of room fires under actual fire conditions and the effect those conditions have on fire pattern formation. Particular inquiry and analysis is to be made into the unique and distinguishing characteristics of fire patterns on ceilings, walls, and floors caused by accelerated (i.e. arson) verses non-accelerated fits. There is no known or current fire research to evaluate the fire patterns which fire investigators and analysts are commonly using to assess fire origins and fuels. This program sets forward a protocol for a series of initial tests which will set a standard of background research which the professional fire investigation community can use to asses the propriety of their fire pattern opinions. The production of this program for the study of fire patterns involves the specification of the test room, ignition source, test fire(s), instrumentation, test procedures, safety, observations and data gathering, analysis and reporting of results. The full-scale laboratory testing will utilize two baseline runs where the test room will not be furnished. Eight pattern analysis tests will follow where the test room will be furnished. It is anticipated that as a separate effort full-scale fire tests will be done in actual residential or other structures as a follow up and comparison to these laboratory tests.