Experimental Results of a Residential House Fire Test on Tenability: Temperature, Smoke, and Gas Analyses

• NCJ Number: 246552
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2014 Pages: 139-154
• Author(s): Robert J. Crewe Ph.D.; Anna A. Stec Ph.D.; Richard G. Walker B.Sc.; John E. A. Shaw Ph.D.; T. R. Hull Ph.D.; Jennifer Rhodes Ph.D; Tamar Garcia-Sorribes B.Sc.
• Date Published: January 2014
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A fire experiment conducted in a British 1950s-style house is described.

Abstract

A fire experiment conducted in a British 1950s-style house is described. Measurements of temperature, smoke, CO, CO2, and O2 were taken in the Lounge, stairwell, and front and back bedrooms. The front bedroom door was wedged open, while the door to the back bedroom was wedged closed. Contrary to expectations and despite the relatively small fire load, analysis and hazard calculations show permeation of toxic fire gases throughout the property with lethal concentrations of effluent being measured at each sampling point. A generally poor state of repair and missing carpets in the upper story contributed to a high degree of gas and smoke permeation. The available egress time was calculated as the time before the main escape route became impassable. Given known human responses to fire, such an incident could have caused fatalities to sleeping or otherwise immobile occupants. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.