On the ignition of fuel beds by firebrands

Abstract

Abstract An experimental apparatus has been built to investigate the ignition of fuel beds as a result of impact with burning firebrands. The apparatus allowed the ignition and deposition of both single and multiple firebrands onto the target fuel bed. The moisture content of the fuel beds used was varied, and the fuels considered were pine needle beds, shredded paper beds and crevices constructed of cedar shingles. Firebrands were simulated by machining wood ( Pinus ponderosa ) into small disks of uniform geometry and the size of the disks was varied. Firebrand simulation was necessary because it is difficult to capture and characterize firebrands from an actual burning object. The firebrand ignition apparatus was installed into the fire emulator/detector evaluator to investigate the influence of an air flow on the ignition propensity of fuel beds. The results of this study are presented and compared with relevant studies in the literature. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.