fires

New method to test fireproofing material

harminka — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:53:10 -0500

In a high-temperature blaze, how well does a fireproofing material shield a building’s important steel structures from heat? Answering this question has been surprisingly difficult, but it is important information for builders selecting high-performance fire-resistive materials and for scientists conducting computer simulations that investigate fires.

Study reveals homeowner perceptions in fire-prone areas

harminka — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:32:54 -0500

Most residents in fire-prone communities surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest have taken steps to protect their homes from wildland fires, according to a U.S. Forest Service study completed this summer.

Sensor system runs on electricity generated by trees

harminka — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:21:40 -0500

MIT researchers and colleagues are working to find out whether energy from trees can power a network of sensors to prevent spreading forest fires.

Report reveals communication needs, recreation use during fires

harminka — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:20:27 -0500

The effectiveness of the media to inform the public during evacuations and wildland fire effects on recreation are some topics addressed in a U.S. Forest Service report published this month that is a compilation of 17 studies on the social science aspects of fires.

Landscape study may offer solutions for fire managers

harminka — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:17:54 -0500

A fire is currently burning through a study area where projections were made about fire behavior about 2 years ago. Managers used data and analysis from the Gotchen Late-Successional Reserve (LSR) study in the planning, analysis, and implementation of treatments near where the Cold Springs fire is now active.

From beach to backyard, caution can reduce firepit burns

harminka — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:55:48 -0500

Backyard barbecues and beach bonfires are beloved summer activities across the country, but they also put people – especially children – at risk of painful, long-term injury.

Black day of 1780 caused by distant wildfires

harminka — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:55:17 -0500

At noon, it was black as night. It was May 19, 1780 and some people in New England thought judgment day was at hand. Accounts of that day, which became known as 'New England's Dark Day,' include mentions of midday meals by candlelight, night birds coming out to sing, flowers folding their petals,and strange behavior from animals.

CBD blaze: Sydney Hilton evacuated

seher — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:39:00 -0500

The Hilton Hotel in Sydney's CBD was evacuated this morning because of a fire in an empty clothes shop in a nearby three-storey building.

NIST evaluates firefighting tactics in NYC high-rise test

harminka — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:09:35 -0500

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) fire protection engineers turned an abandoned New York City (NYC) brick high-rise into a seven-story fire laboratory last month to better understand the fast-moving spread of wind-driven flames, smoke and toxic gases through corridors and stairways of burning buildings.

Bush fires blaze in Western Australia

harminka — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:00:07 -0600

Three people have died in Western Australia when their vehicles were engulfed in a bush fire.

Toward improving the safety of Lithium-ion batteries

harminka — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:47:30 -0600

After recalls and fires involving Lithium-ion batteries, battery manufacturers and scientists have launched an intensive effort to improve the safety of these rechargeable power packs found in dozens of consumer electronics products.

Large blaze at London Olympics site

Dinka — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:39:41 -0600

A column of black smoke was towering from a fire at an east London warehouse on the 2012 Olympics site.