Journal Description
Fire
Fire
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal about the science, policy, and technology of fires and how they interact with communities and the environment, published monthly online by MDPI. The Global Wildland Fire Network is affiliated with Fire.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), AGRIS, PubAg, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Forestry) / CiteScore - Q2 (Forestry)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Paper Types: in addition to regular articles we accept Perspectives, Case Studies, Data Descriptors, Technical Notes, and Monographs.
Impact Factor:
3.2 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Parametric Study of Flow and Combustion Characteristic in a Cavitied Scramjet with Multi-Position Injection
Fire 2024, 7(6), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060176 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2024
Abstract
This study focuses on the three-dimensional flow and combustion characteristics of a cavitied scramjet engine with multi-position injection. A single-equation large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model is employed, with a detailed reaction mechanism for hydrogen combustion, as described by Jachimowski. The combustion characteristics
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This study focuses on the three-dimensional flow and combustion characteristics of a cavitied scramjet engine with multi-position injection. A single-equation large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model is employed, with a detailed reaction mechanism for hydrogen combustion, as described by Jachimowski. The combustion characteristics of hydrogen in the scramjet combustion chamber are analyzed. Based on the combustion chamber model, the influence of different equivalence ratios, injection timing, injection positions, and injection pressures on the flame formation and propagation process are compared. The results indicate that within a certain range, an increase in the equivalence ratio enhances the combustion intensity and chamber pressure. In the case of multi-position injection, the order of injection from different nozzles has little effect on the final flame stabilization mode and pressure distribution. The opposite-side distribution of nozzles can effectively improve the fuel efficiency and the internal pressure. Furthermore, when the nozzles are closely placed in the opposite-side distribution, the combustion efficiency increases, although this leads to a higher total pressure loss. In scenarios where the fuel injection duration is short, an increase in the injection pressure at the upstream nozzles of the cavity results in a higher local equivalence ratio, as well as reduced fuel mixing and ignition time.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Assessing Forest Road Network Suitability in Relation to the Spatial Occurrence of Wildfires in Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems
by
Mohsen Mostafa, Mario Elia, Vincenzo Giannico, Raffaele Lafortezza and Giovanni Sanesi
Fire 2024, 7(6), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060175 - 22 May 2024
Abstract
Identifying the relationship between forest roads and wildfires in forest ecosystems is a crucial priority to integrate suppression and prevention within wildfire management. In various investigations, the interaction of these elements has been studied by using road density as one of the anthropogenic
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Identifying the relationship between forest roads and wildfires in forest ecosystems is a crucial priority to integrate suppression and prevention within wildfire management. In various investigations, the interaction of these elements has been studied by using road density as one of the anthropogenic dependent variables. This study focused on the use of a broader set of metrics associated with forest road networks, such as road density, the number of links (edges), and access percentage based on two effect zones (road buffers of 75 m and 97 m). These metrics were employed as response variables to assess forest road network suitability in relation to wildfires, specifically the number and size of fires (2000–2021), using the Apulia region (Italy) as a case study. In addition, to enhance the comprehensive understanding of road networks in forest ecosystems in relation to wildfires, this study considered various affecting factors, including land-cover data (forest, maquis, natural grassland), geomorphology (slope, aspect), vegetation (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)), and morphometric indexes (Topographic Position Index (TPI), Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI)). We used geographically weighted regression (GWR) and ordinary least squares (OLS) to analyze the interaction between forest road metrics and dependent variables. Results showed that the GWR models outperformed the OLS models in term of statistical results such as R2 and the Akaike Information Criterion (AICc). We found that among road metrics, road density and number of links do not effectively demonstrate the correlation between roads and wildfires as a singular criterion. However, they prove to be a beneficial supplementary variable when considered alongside access percentage, particularly within the 75-m buffer zone. Our findings are used to discuss implications for forest road network planning in a broader wildfire management analysis. Our findings demonstrate that forest roads are not one-dimensional and static infrastructure; rather, they are a multi-dimensional and dynamic structure. Hence, they need to be analyzed from various perspectives, including accessibility and ecological approaches, in order to obtain an integrated understating of their interaction with wildfire.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Firefighting Approaches and Extreme Wildfires)
Open AccessArticle
Numerical Simulation of Passenger Evacuation and Heat Fluxes in the Waiting Hall of an Ultralarge Railway Station Hub
by
Hua Chen, Yujing Feng, Chenyang Zhang, Liuyang Yu, Ya Shu, Yong Zhang, Tianchang Meng, Chaozhe Jiang and Fang Xu
Fire 2024, 7(6), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060174 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The resurgence of passenger flows after the pandemic poses a significant challenge to the safe operation of rail transit. Therefore, adopting the waiting hall of an ultralarge railway station hub as an example, thermal radiation and evacuation simulations were conducted by the Fire
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The resurgence of passenger flows after the pandemic poses a significant challenge to the safe operation of rail transit. Therefore, adopting the waiting hall of an ultralarge railway station hub as an example, thermal radiation and evacuation simulations were conducted by the Fire Dynamics Simulator and Pathfinder, respectively. Island-style shops, known for their high crowd density and fire load, were defined as fire sources, and the effectiveness of a 6 m wide fire isolation zone was validated via the adoption of the dual-validation model. By comparing the relationships between the total evacuation population after passenger flow recovery and various evacuation parameters, it was shown that passengers were not evenly distributed among the exits in the waiting hall during an emergency, leading to uneven utilization. Furthermore, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the evacuation process under simulated fire conditions, an evacuation simulation involving 10,000 evacuees over a duration of 324.8 s was conducted. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing fire emergency evacuation plans for ultralarge railway station hubs.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Industrial Fire and Urban Fire Research)
Open AccessArticle
Oil and Gas Structures: Forecasting the Fire Resistance of Steel Structures with Fire Protection under Hydrocarbon Fire Conditions
by
Marina Gravit, Ivan Dmitriev, Nikita Shcheglov and Anton Radaev
Fire 2024, 7(6), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060173 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The hydrocarbon temperature–time curve is widely used instead of the standard curve to describe the temperature in the environment of structural surfaces exposed to fire in oil and gas chemical facilities and tunnels. This paper presents calculations of the ratio of time to
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The hydrocarbon temperature–time curve is widely used instead of the standard curve to describe the temperature in the environment of structural surfaces exposed to fire in oil and gas chemical facilities and tunnels. This paper presents calculations of the ratio of time to reach critical temperatures at different nominal fire curves for steel structures such as bulkheads and columns with different types of fireproofing. The thermophysical properties of the fireproofing materials were obtained by solving the inverse heat conduction problem using computer simulation. It was found that the time interval for reaching critical temperatures in structures with different types of fireproofing in a hydrocarbon fire decreased, on average, by a factor of 1.2–1.7 compared to the results of standard fire tests. For example, for decks and bulkheads with mineral wool fireproofing, the K-factor of the ratio of the time for reaching the critical temperature of steel under the standard curve to the hydrocarbon curve was 1.30–1.62; for plaster, it was 1.56; for cement boards, it was 1.34; for non-combustible coatings, it was 1.38–2.0; and, for epoxy paints, it was 1.71. The recommended values of the K-factor for fire resistance up to 180 min (incl.) were 1.7 and, after 180 min, 1.2. The obtained dependencies would allow fireproofing manufacturers to predict the insulation thickness for expensive hydrocarbon fire experiments if the results of fire tests under standard (cellulosic) conditions are known.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Energy Materials and Fire Safety)
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Open AccessArticle
Promoting Optimal Habitat Availability by Maintaining Fine-Grained Burn Mosaics: A Modelling Study in an Australian Semi-Arid Temperate Woodland
by
Ben J. French, Brett P. Murphy and David M. J. S. Bowman
Fire 2024, 7(6), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060172 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The pyrodiversity–biodiversity (P–B) hypothesis posits that spatiotemporally variable fire regimes increase wildlife habitat diversity, and that the fine-grained mosaics resulting from small patchy fires enhance biodiversity. This logic underpins the patch mosaic burning (PMB) paradigm and reinforces the benefits of Indigenous fire management,
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The pyrodiversity–biodiversity (P–B) hypothesis posits that spatiotemporally variable fire regimes increase wildlife habitat diversity, and that the fine-grained mosaics resulting from small patchy fires enhance biodiversity. This logic underpins the patch mosaic burning (PMB) paradigm and reinforces the benefits of Indigenous fire management, which tends to promote pyrodiversity. However, tests of the P–B hypothesis and PMB paradigm are few. One of the most comprehensive field evaluations—a snapshot study of pre-existing fire mosaics in south-east Australian semi-arid mallee eucalypt woodlands—found little support. To explore the longer-term effects of fire mosaic grain size on habitat availability and biodiversity, we combined published data from the mallee study with a simple fire simulation. We simulated 500 years of landscape burning under different fire sizes. In the resulting mosaics, we assessed the proportional mixture and patch configuration of successional habitat states, then summarised habitat availability through time using a composite index based on the published fire history responses of 22 vertebrate taxa from the mallee study. Small fires formed fine-grained mosaics with a stable habitat mixture and with habitat diversity occurring at fine scales. Large fires formed coarse-grained mosaics with the opposite properties. The fine-grained mosaics maintained optimal habitat availability for vertebrate diversity over 500 years, while the fluctuating habitat mixture in the coarse-grained mosaics was unlikely to maintain maximum vertebrate diversity. Broadly, our results support the P–B hypothesis and justify further field-testing and evaluation of PMB programs to manage both pyrodiversity and biodiversity in the mallee and other flammable landscapes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Fires on Forest Ecosystems)
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Open AccessArticle
Multitemporal Dynamics of Fuels in Forest Systems Present in the Colombian Orinoco River Basin Forests
by
Walter Garcia-Suabita, Mario José Pacheco and Dolors Armenteras
Fire 2024, 7(6), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060171 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In Colombia’s Orinoco, wildfires have a profound impact on ecosystem dynamics, particularly affecting savannas and forest–savanna transitions. Human activities have disrupted the natural fire regime, leading to increased wildfire frequency due to changes in land use, deforestation, and climate change. Despite extensive research
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In Colombia’s Orinoco, wildfires have a profound impact on ecosystem dynamics, particularly affecting savannas and forest–savanna transitions. Human activities have disrupted the natural fire regime, leading to increased wildfire frequency due to changes in land use, deforestation, and climate change. Despite extensive research on fire monitoring and prediction, the quantification of fuel accumulation, a critical factor in fire incidence, remains inadequately explored. This study addresses this gap by quantifying dead organic material (detritus) accumulation and identifying influencing factors. Using Brown transects across forests with varying fire intensities, we assessed fuel loads and characterized variables related to detritus accumulation over time. Employing factor analysis, principal components analysis, and a generalized linear mixed model, we determined the effects of various factors. Our findings reveal significant variations in biomass accumulation patterns influenced by factors such as thickness, wet and dry mass, density, gravity, porosity, and moisture content. Additionally, a decrease in fuel load over time was attributed to increased precipitation from three La Niña events. These insights enable more accurate fire predictions and inform targeted forest management strategies for fire prevention and mitigation, thereby enhancing our understanding of fire ecology in the Orinoco basin and guiding effective conservation practices.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic AI for Natural Disasters Detection, Prediction and Modeling)
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Open AccessArticle
The Dynamics of Fire Activity in the Brazilian Pantanal: A Log–Gaussian Cox Process-Based Structural Decomposition
by
Fernanda Valente and Márcio Laurini
Fire 2024, 7(5), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050170 - 19 May 2024
Abstract
We present a novel statistical methodology for analyzing shifts in spatio-temporal fire occurrence patterns within the Brazilian Pantanal, utilizing remote sensing data. Our approach employs a Log-Gaussian Cox Process to model the spatiotemporal dynamics of fire occurrence, deconstructing the intensity function into components
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We present a novel statistical methodology for analyzing shifts in spatio-temporal fire occurrence patterns within the Brazilian Pantanal, utilizing remote sensing data. Our approach employs a Log-Gaussian Cox Process to model the spatiotemporal dynamics of fire occurrence, deconstructing the intensity function into components of trend, seasonality, cycle, covariates, and time-varying spatial effects components. The results indicate a negative correlation between rainfall and fire intensity, with lower precipitation associated with heightened fire intensity. Forest formations exhibit a positive effect on fire intensity, whereas agricultural land use shows no significant impact. Savannas and grasslands, typical fire-dependent ecosystems, demonstrate a positive relationship with fire intensity. Human-induced fires, often used for agricultural purposes, contribute to an increase in both fire frequency and intensity, particularly in grassland areas. Trend analysis reveals fluctuating fire activity over time, with notable peaks in 2018–2021.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Fires, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change)
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Open AccessArticle
Modelling Context Effects in Exit Choice for Building Evacuations
by
Dongli Gao, Xuanwen Liang, Qian Chen, Hongpeng Qiu and Eric Wai Ming Lee
Fire 2024, 7(5), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050169 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding exit choice behaviour is essential for optimising safety management strategies in building evacuations. Previous research focused on contextual attributes, such as spatial information, influencing exit choice, often using utility models based on monotonic functions of attributes. However, during emergencies, evacuees typically make
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Understanding exit choice behaviour is essential for optimising safety management strategies in building evacuations. Previous research focused on contextual attributes, such as spatial information, influencing exit choice, often using utility models based on monotonic functions of attributes. However, during emergencies, evacuees typically make rapid, less calculated decisions. The choice of context can significantly impact the evaluation of attributes, leading to preference reversals within the same choice set but under varying context conditions. This cognitive psychological phenomenon, known as context effects, encompasses the compromise effect, the similarity effect, and the attraction effect. While researchers have long recognised the pivotal role of context effects in human decision making, their incorporation into computer-aided evacuation management remains limited. To address this gap, we introduce context effects (CE) in a social force (SF) model, CE-SF. Evaluating CE-SF’s performance against the UF-SF model, which considers only the utility function (UF), we find that CE-SF better replicates exit choice behaviour across urgency levels, highlighting its potential to enhance evacuation strategies. Notably, our study identifies three distinct context effects during evacuations, emphasising their importance in advancing safety measures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation)
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Open AccessArticle
Characteristics of Carbon Monoxide and Ethylene Generation in Mine’s Closed Fire Zone and Their Influence on Methane Explosion Limits
by
Dong Ma, Leilin Zhang, Tingfeng Zhu and Zhenfang Shi
Fire 2024, 7(5), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050168 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Methane explosions often occur during the closure process of mine fire zones, during which the concentration of combustible gases such as monoxide and ethylene produced by coal combustion dynamically changes, which changes the risk of methane explosion. Therefore, studying the gas concentration distribution
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Methane explosions often occur during the closure process of mine fire zones, during which the concentration of combustible gases such as monoxide and ethylene produced by coal combustion dynamically changes, which changes the risk of methane explosion. Therefore, studying the gas concentration distribution and methane explosion limits during the process of mine closure is of great significance for disaster prevention and control. In this paper, a three-dimensional physical model of gob was built, and the distribution of monoxide and ethylene in the process of fire zone closure was investigated. Further, the explosion limits of methane enriched with CO and C2H4 in the closed fire zone of gob were analyzed. The results indicate that CO and C2H4 would form a small-scale accumulation phenomenon near the fire zone after the closure of the fire zone, and when the fire zone is closed for more than 15 min, the mixed combustible gases in the environment lose their explosiveness.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire/Explosion Risk Assessment and Loss Prevention of Hazardous Materials, Mines and Natural Gas)
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of the Local Dynamics on Exit Choice Behaviour in Evacuation Model
by
Sensen Xing, Cheng Wang, Dongli Gao, Wei Wang, Anthony Chun Yin Yuen, Eric Wai Ming Lee, Guan Heng Yeoh and Qing Nian Chan
Fire 2024, 7(5), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050167 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigated the interplay between exit selection models and local pedestrian movement patterns within floor field frameworks. Specifically, this investigation analysed the performance of a multinomial logit exit choice model, incorporating both expected utility theory and cumulative prospect theory frameworks when coupled
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This study investigated the interplay between exit selection models and local pedestrian movement patterns within floor field frameworks. Specifically, this investigation analysed the performance of a multinomial logit exit choice model, incorporating both expected utility theory and cumulative prospect theory frameworks when coupled with three distinct local-level pedestrian movement models (FF-Von Neumann, FF-Moore, and NSFF). The expected utility theory framework considers the deterministic component as a linear relationship, while the cumulative prospect theory framework further considers the decision-maker’s risky attitudes by transforming objective terms into subjective terms using a power value function. The core objective was to comprehend how local movement dynamics, as represented by the floor field models, influence decision-making during exit selection. Comparative analyses revealed intriguing variations between the three local models, despite their shared expected utility theory-based exit choice framework. These discrepancies stemmed from the diverse pedestrian trajectory behaviours generated by each model. Consequently, these local dynamics impacted the decision-maker’s assessment of critical factors, such as the number of evacuees close to the decision-maker ( ) and the number of evacuees close to an exit ( ), which the exit choice model incorporates. These assessments, in turn, significantly affected higher-level decision-making. The integration of the three models with the multinomial logit exit choice model, using either cumulative prospect theory and expected utility theory frameworks, further strengthened the observed bilateral relationship. While the specific nature of this relationship varied depending on the chosen framework and its implementation details, these consistent findings demonstrate the robustness of the results. This reinforced the influence of local-level pedestrian dynamics on higher-level exit selection, highlighting the importance of accurate crowd dynamics modelling, especially when advanced exit choice models consider local movement factors.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ensuring Safety against Fires in Overcrowded Urban Areas)
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Open AccessArticle
Slate–Cork Laminate Enhanced with Silicone for Habitat Industry Application
by
Juana Abenojar, Sara López de Armentia and Miguel Angel Martínez
Fire 2024, 7(5), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050166 - 12 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the feasibility of using a composite material comprising slate reinforced with cork sheets for architectural purposes like facades and wall coverings. The research involves the comprehensive characterisation of both slate and cork materials along with the evaluation of the silicone
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This study investigates the feasibility of using a composite material comprising slate reinforced with cork sheets for architectural purposes like facades and wall coverings. The research involves the comprehensive characterisation of both slate and cork materials along with the evaluation of the silicone adhesive used in their bonding process, specifically Sikasil® HT from SIKA®. It was found that both slate and cork exhibited low wettability, which was enhanced through cold plasma treatment. Subsequently, a composite sandwich structure was fabricated and subjected to impact testing in a drop tower, along with fire resistance evaluations. The fire tests revealed that when subjected to a flame of 900 °C for 15 min, the slate alone heated rapidly, reaching 500 °C within 3 min on the side opposite to the flame. However, the sandwich structure reached 260 °C on the cork side (opposite to the flame) at 7.5 min, maintaining this temperature until the deterioration or detachment of the cork between 11 and 12 min. This provided insulation and delayed ignition. The sandwich structure maintained its fire resistance due to the insulating properties of cork and the superior thermal resistance of silicone compared to other adhesives up to 260 °C. Overall, the results suggest the potential suitability of this sandwich structure for architectural applications. Its favourable adhesion properties and acceptable fire resistance indicate that it could serve as a viable alternative for construction materials in architectural contexts.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Fire Safety Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Application of Model-Free and Model-Based Kinetic Methods in Evaluation of Reactions Complexity during Thermo-Oxidative Degradation Process: Case Study of [4-(Hydroxymethyl)phenoxymethyl] Polystyrene Resin
by
Bojan Janković, Vladimir Dodevski, Filip Veljković, Marija Janković and Nebojša Manić
Fire 2024, 7(5), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050165 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
This work examined the possibilities and limitations of model-free and model-based methods related to decrypting the kinetic complexity of multi-step thermo-oxidative degradation processes (as a testing system, a [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxymethyl] polystyrene resin was used), monitored by thermal analysis (TGA-DTG-DTA) techniques. It was found that
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This work examined the possibilities and limitations of model-free and model-based methods related to decrypting the kinetic complexity of multi-step thermo-oxidative degradation processes (as a testing system, a [4-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxymethyl] polystyrene resin was used), monitored by thermal analysis (TGA-DTG-DTA) techniques. It was found that isoconversional methods could successfully determine the correct number of process stages and presence of multiple reactions based on derived Ea(α) profiles and identify the negative dependence of the rate constant on the temperature. These methods could not overcome the problem that arose due to mass transfer limitations. The model-based method overcame more successfully the problem associated with mass transfer because its calculation machinery had capabilities for the correct solution of the total mass balance equation. However, a perfect fit with the experimental data was not achieved due to the dependence on the thermal history of the contribution (ctb.) of a given reaction step inside a fitting procedure cycle. On the other hand, through this approach, it was possible to estimate the rate-controlling steps of the process regarding the influence of the heating rate. It was found that for consecutive reaction mechanisms, the production of benzaldehyde and gases in high yields was controlled by the heating rate, where low heating rates were strongly recommended (≤10 K/min). Also, it was shown that the transport phenomenon may be also the rate-determining step (within the set of “intrinsic” kinetic parameters). It was also established that external heat transfer controls the overall rate, where the “pure” kinetic control regime had not been reached but was approached when lowering the temperature and size of the resin particles.
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(This article belongs to the Section Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of Combustion and Fire)
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Open AccessArticle
Study on the Effect of Pore Evolution on the Coal Spontaneous Combustion Characteristics in Goaf
by
Jinglei Li, Hao Xu and Genshui Wu
Fire 2024, 7(5), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050164 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding the characteristics of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) in goaf under different porosities is crucial for comprehending the mechanism of CSC and its prevention and control. In this paper, a multi-field coupled model of CSC in the goaf, considering porosity variation, is developed
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Understanding the characteristics of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) in goaf under different porosities is crucial for comprehending the mechanism of CSC and its prevention and control. In this paper, a multi-field coupled model of CSC in the goaf, considering porosity variation, is developed to investigate the effect of porosity on the CSC characteristics in the goaf. The results indicate that, as the goaf depth increases, both porosity and permeability decrease. When the highest goaf porosity is 25%, the average airflow velocity is between 0.00134 and 0.00139 m/s. In contrast, the average airflow velocity in the goaf with a porosity of 40% is approximately six times greater than that of the goaf with a porosity of 25%. As the goaf porosity increases, the overall oxygen concentration, temperature, and oxidized zone area also rise. Moreover, the oxidation zone area can be quantified and visualized, thereby enabling more effective prediction of the CSC risk in the goaf. The findings of the study have a positive significance in guiding the prevention and control of coal fires.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanism of Coal Spontaneous Combustion in Goaf and Mine Fire Prevention)
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Open AccessReview
Current Status of Research on Wildland Fire Impacts on Soil Environment and Soil Organisms and Hotspots Visualization Analysis
by
Zhichao Cheng, Song Wu, Dan Wei, Hong Pan, Xiaoyu Fu, Xinming Lu and Libin Yang
Fire 2024, 7(5), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050163 - 7 May 2024
Abstract
Ecosystems are frequently disturbed by fires that have an important impact on the soil environment and the composition of soil organisms. In order to provide a baseline for the current research and identify trends on the effects of wildland fire on soil environment
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Ecosystems are frequently disturbed by fires that have an important impact on the soil environment and the composition of soil organisms. In order to provide a baseline for the current research and identify trends on the effects of wildland fire on soil environment and biological changes, the available literature was identified from the Web of Science database, covering the period from 1998/1998/1999 (the year of the earliest publication in this field) to 2023. A bibliometric analysis was performed and the data were visually displayed for the number of publications, countries, authors, research institutions, and keywords representing research hotspots. Specifically, the effects of wildland fire on the soil environment, on soil microorganisms and on soil fauna were analyzed. The results show that the annual number of publications describing effects of wildland fire on the soil environment and on soil microorganisms are increasing over time, while those describing effects on soil fauna are fewer and their number remains constant. The largest number of papers originate from the United States, with the United States Department of Agriculture as the research institution with the largest output. The three authors with the largest number of publications are Stefan H. Doerr, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja and Jan Jacob Keizer. The research hotspots, as identified by keywords, are highly concentrated on wildfire, fire, organic matter, and biodiversity, amongst others. This study comprehensively analyzes the current situation of the research on the effects of wildland fire on changes in the soil environment and organisms, and provides reference for relevant scientific researchers in this trend and future research hotspots.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Fires on Forest Ecosystems)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Climate Evolution on the Dynamics of the Wildfires in Greece
by
Nikolaos Iliopoulos, Iasonas Aliferis and Michail Chalaris
Fire 2024, 7(5), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050162 - 6 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding the potential effects of climate change on forest fire behavior and the resulting release of combustion products is critical for effective mitigation strategies in Greece. This study utilizes data from the MAGICC 2.4 (Model for the Assessment of Greenhouse Gas-Induced Climate Change)
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Understanding the potential effects of climate change on forest fire behavior and the resulting release of combustion products is critical for effective mitigation strategies in Greece. This study utilizes data from the MAGICC 2.4 (Model for the Assessment of Greenhouse Gas-Induced Climate Change) climate model and the SCENGEN 2.4 (SCENarioGENerator) database to assess these impacts. By manipulating various model parameters such as climate sensitivity, scenario, time period, and global climate models (GCMs) within the SCENGEN 2.4 database, we analyzed climatic trends affecting forest fire generation and evolution. The results reveal complex and nuanced findings, indicating a need for further investigation. Case studies are conducted using the FARSITE 4 (Fire Area Simulator) model, incorporating meteorological changes derived from climate trends. Simulations of two fires in East Attica, accounting for different fuel and meteorological conditions, demonstrate an increase in the rate of combustion product release. This underscores the influence of changing meteorological parameters on forest fire dynamics and highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate future risks. Our findings emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on wildfire behavior to safeguard environmental and public health in Greece.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Fire Danger)
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Open AccessReview
A Focused Review on Wildfire Evacuation and Infrastructure Resilience in Canada: Trends and Insights (2013–2023)
by
Nima Karimi
Fire 2024, 7(5), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050161 - 6 May 2024
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This review paper investigates the landscape of wildfire-related studies with a focus on infrastructure and evacuations across Canadian provinces, revealing a predominant focus on Alberta, particularly after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. The aftermath of this event has heightened attention to the unique
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This review paper investigates the landscape of wildfire-related studies with a focus on infrastructure and evacuations across Canadian provinces, revealing a predominant focus on Alberta, particularly after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. The aftermath of this event has heightened attention to the unique challenges faced during evacuations, emphasizing the urgent need for heightened awareness and preparedness, especially in the vulnerable northern communities of Alberta. Studies beyond Alberta contribute to understanding Canadian wildfire dynamics. However, a noticeable research gap in British Columbia raises concerns about research prioritization and resource allocation despite heightened wildfire activity. The fact that some provinces are contributing less than 4.2%, such as Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and the Prairies, might be attributed to regional variations influenced by historical wildfire frequency and population density. Thematic analysis categorizing studies into “community support/resilience”, “evacuation efficiency”, and “infrastructure protection/raising awareness” provides nuanced insights. The dominance of the “community support/resilience” category, comprising over 40% of studies, signifies a societal shift towards proactive community engagement. Balanced representation in the “evacuation efficiency” and “infrastructure protection/raising awareness” categories, each contributing over 29%, reflects a collective effort to glean lessons from past evacuations and enhance community preparedness. Temporal trends and thematic analyses spotlight a commitment to continuous improvement, adaptability to emerging challenges, and a growing recognition of the multifaceted aspects of wildfire management. The evolving emphasis on community involvement, responsiveness to changing evacuation dynamics, and heightened awareness of infrastructure protection underscores the proactive stance of the research community, providing insights for shaping future research priorities, policy frameworks, and community resilience strategies in the face of evolving wildfire threats in Canada.
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Open AccessArticle
Medium-Term Comparative Effects of Prescribed Burning and Mechanical Shredding on Soil Characteristics in Heathland and Shrubland Habitats: Insights from a Protected Natural Area
by
Rosa M. Cadenas, Fernando Castedo-Dorado and Luz Valbuena
Fire 2024, 7(5), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050160 - 5 May 2024
Abstract
Parts of the Cantabrian Mountains (N Spain) have been colonized by woody species in the past six or seven decades as a result of a decline in livestock activity and changes in the fire regime. Various management strategies have been used to prevent
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Parts of the Cantabrian Mountains (N Spain) have been colonized by woody species in the past six or seven decades as a result of a decline in livestock activity and changes in the fire regime. Various management strategies have been used to prevent the expansion of shrubs and recover grassland ecosystems for grazing activities. However, it is not clear how different vegetation treatments affect soils, which are crucial in supporting life and providing nutrients in these ecosystems. The aim of the present study was to compare the dynamics of the physicochemical and biological soil properties after two vegetation treatments: prescribed burning and shredding. Samples were obtained from plots representing alkaline and acidic soils dominated by gorse shrub (Genista hispanica subsp. occidentalis) and heath (Calluna vulgaris) plant communities, respectively. The soil samples were collected immediately before and after the treatments and one and two years later. The level of available P varied depending on the soil pH, and it only increased after the treatments in the acidic soils in the heathland community. The total N and available P concentrations were higher after the prescribed burning, and the enzymatic activity tended to be higher after the shredding treatment. Despite the significant effects on some soil variables, prescribed burning and shredding did not have important short- and medium-term effects on the chemical and soil enzymatic properties. These treatments can therefore be considered sustainable vegetation management tools, at least in the medium term.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Fires on Forest Ecosystems)
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Open AccessArticle
Exploring Spontaneous Combustion Characteristics and Structural Disparities of Coal Induced by Igneous Rock Erosion
by
Mingqian Zhang, Zongxiang Li, Zhifeng Chen, Lun Gao, Yun Qi and Haifeng Hu
Fire 2024, 7(5), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050159 - 4 May 2024
Abstract
The erosion of igneous rocks affects the structural and spontaneous combustion characteristics of coal. A series of tests were conducted, including programmed heating, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and pressed mercury experiments on samples from primary coal and coal eroded by
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The erosion of igneous rocks affects the structural and spontaneous combustion characteristics of coal. A series of tests were conducted, including programmed heating, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and pressed mercury experiments on samples from primary coal and coal eroded by igneous rocks from the Tashan Mine and Xiaonan Mine within the same coal seam. Based on these experiments, we analyzed various properties of coal, such as the oxidation characteristics, spontaneous combustion limit, active functional group content, chemical structure, and pore structure, from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. The results indicated significant trends after the erosion of igneous rocks: (1) there were increases in the oxygen consumption rate, as well as the CO and CO2 release rates; (2) the upper limit of air leakage intensity increased, the minimum thickness of floating coal decreased, and the lower limit of oxygen volume fraction decreased; (3) there was a decrease in the activation energy required for coal ignition; (4) there was a decrease in the active functional group content while improving the structural stability; and (5) there were the alterations in the pore structure of coal. These promoted the oxidation reactions between oxygen and the active groups within the coal matrix, increasing the propensity for spontaneous combustion, particularly in the igneous rocks with low oxidation activity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Fire Safety Science)
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The Influence of Confined Space Size on the Temperature Distribution Characteristics of Internal Window Plume from Well-Ventilated Compartment Fires
by
Qiwei Dong, Yanfeng Li, Junmei Li, Fei Xie, Desheng Xu and Zhihe Su
Fire 2024, 7(5), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050158 - 1 May 2024
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In this research, the influence of confined space size on the temperature distribution characteristics of internal window plumes from well-ventilated compartment fires was studied. Theoretical analysis was firstly used to establish a mathematical model for the smoke after ejecting from the window in
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In this research, the influence of confined space size on the temperature distribution characteristics of internal window plumes from well-ventilated compartment fires was studied. Theoretical analysis was firstly used to establish a mathematical model for the smoke after ejecting from the window in the space. The study considered fire heat release rate and vertical height as dependent variables. Numerical simulations and experimental methods were carried out to study the temperature variations. A critical distance L2 was obtained. Results show that when the space D between the vertical retaining wall and the building façade is greater than L2, the variation of D has little influence on radial temperature. Once D is less than L2, the radial temperature distribution inside the confined space will tend to be consistent, and the temperature in the confined space sharply increases as D decreases. In addition, a dimensionless model was derived to quantify the relationship between temperature rise and vertical height. The experimental and numerical simulation results were processed, which are in good agreement with the model. The study can provide a framework for managing building safety.
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Mental Health and Traumatic Occupational Exposure in Wildland Fire Dispatchers
by
Robin Verble, Rachel Granberg, Seth Pearson, Charlene Rogers and Roman Watson
Fire 2024, 7(5), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050157 - 1 May 2024
Abstract
Wildland fire dispatchers play a key role in wildland fire management and response organization; however, to date, wildland fire studies have largely focused on the physical hazards and, to a lesser extent, mental health hazards of wildland firefighting operational personnel, and dispatcher studies
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Wildland fire dispatchers play a key role in wildland fire management and response organization; however, to date, wildland fire studies have largely focused on the physical hazards and, to a lesser extent, mental health hazards of wildland firefighting operational personnel, and dispatcher studies have primarily focused on 911 and police dispatchers. Studies of other dispatchers have provided some limited insight into potential strains impacting this workforce, including work-related fatigue, burnout, and traumatic exposure. However, the specific job hazards that are faced by wildland fire dispatchers are poorly understood. In 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 510 wildland fire dispatchers with questions about their occupational health, general health, and well-being. We used validated screening instruments to measure the rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts and ideation. Here, we also present the results of mental health and trauma exposure questions that were asked as part of a larger survey. We found that demographic factors were significant indicators of anxiety, depression, and binge/restrictive eating. Our data indicate that rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts and ideation are significantly higher for both the wildland fire dispatching workforce and other emergency responder populations than those of the general United States population.
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(This article belongs to the Section Fire Social Science)
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