Fire explanation and

demonstration

Mike WalfordBRE Group Ltd

Part of the BRE Trust

IOSHFire explanation and Demonstration

17 May 2018

Michael Walford, Reaction to Fire, BRE Global

Introduction to the day

Explain the Fire Ambassadors programme

Give brief intro to fire safety

Demonstrations

New Fire of London presentation

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Ambassador Programme

Fire Statistics United Kingdom 2012/13

How does a fire start?

• Fuel + Oxidant → Products + Heat

Heat

Fuel

Oxidant

(air)

Heat transfer

• Conduction

• Radiation

• Convection

Prevention: identifying ignition risks

• Arson

• Smoking

• Cooking

• Electrical

• Candles

Protection

• Big fires start off as small fires

• But remember that a small fire can turn into a big fire very suddenly

Demonstrations

Vertical fire spread

Windsor Castle, 1992

Jam Jar Lid

Wood

Nightlight in overload

Nightlight in overload

Harrow Court, Stevenage 2005

Floating Candle

Vertical fire spread - stair carpet test

Fire spread on vertical surfaces

Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin,

1981 - flashover recreation

Electricity can cause fires

Fire of London – Spread across Roofs

Fire of London – Spread across rubble

Floating Teabag

Fire extinguisher or fire blanket use

DO NOT

• Put yourself in danger

• Risk losing your escape route

• Attempt to extinguish a big fire

• Protect property unless you are certain it is safe to do so

Fire extinguisher or fire blanket use

DO USE AN EXTINGUISHER OR FIRE BLANKET

• To protect life

• To ensure you have a way out

• If it is safe to do so – if you are certain you have a way out

• If the fire is small

Thank you and any remaining Questions

Michael Walford

Chemist

Reaction to Fire - Passive

BRE Global

T: +44 (0) 1923 664927

E: Michael.Walford@bre.co.uk

BRE, Garston, Watford WD25 9XX, UK