CFD modelling of WUI fire behaviour in historical fire cases according to different fuel management scenarios

Abstract

Background. In most wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires, damage to buildings results from poor surrounding vegetation management. No simulation had been conducted yet on historical WUI fires with Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling. Aims. It was interesting to check the feasibility of this modelling in simulating past fire cases for different scenarios of vegetation management and fire propagation. Methods. We studied three cases of WUI dwellings surrounded by gardens (subject to French regulations on fuel reduction) adjacent to forest affected by a past fire. The 3D fire propagation was assessed using the Fire Dynamic Simulator model (FDS) and taking into account accurate fire environment (fine vegetation distribution, terrain, etc.). Key results. Results showed that, in the current model state, brush-clearing mitigated fire intensity and propagation and damage to ornamental vegetation. However, it sometimes highlighted that this measure could be strengthened when the effects of topography and wind were combined. Conclusions. FDS modelling at the WUI scale using accurate vegetation distribution proved to be functionally satisfactory, exhibiting realistic fire behaviour. Implications. Once validated, this modelling will ultimately help to assess when fuel reduction is efficient in fire mitigation and to pinpoint possible limitations.

CP2DIMG: An Innovative Research Program Aimed at Preparing Firefighters and Police Officers to Manage Emotions and Stress in Operational Contexts

“…This duty may require firefighters to perceive exposure to risk as an essential element for successfully completing their mission. For example, in the case of wildfires occurring in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas and when faced with a fully engulfed house fire and distressed victims, the inherent risks of burns, explosions, or smoke inhalation may need to be acknowledged by firefighters as integral to their actions, even without full control over the situation [59][60][61][62]. The principle of life-saving justifies categorizing the extreme management context as an operational one.…”