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 18.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- 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:
3.0 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.4 (2023)
Latest Articles
Fire-Induced Changes in Geochemical Elements of Forest Floor in Southern Siberia
Fire 2024, 7(7), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070243 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024
Abstract
Wildfires significantly influence the environmental distribution of various elements through their fire-induced input and mobilization, yet little is known about their effects on the forest floor in Siberian forests. The present study evaluated the effects of spring wildfires of various severities on the
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Wildfires significantly influence the environmental distribution of various elements through their fire-induced input and mobilization, yet little is known about their effects on the forest floor in Siberian forests. The present study evaluated the effects of spring wildfires of various severities on the levels of major and minor (Ca, Al, Fe, S, Mg, K, Na, Mn, P, Ti, Ba, and Sr) trace and ultra-trace (B, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se, V, Zn, Pb, As, La, Sn, Sc, Sb, Be, Bi, Hg, Li, Mo, and Cd) elements in the forest floors of Siberian forests. The forest floor (Oi layer) samples were collected immediately following wildfires in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.), and birch (Betula pendula Roth) forests. Total concentrations of elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy. All fires resulted in a decrease in organic matter content and an increase in mineral material content and pH values in the forest floor. The concentrations of most elements studied in a burned layer of forest floor were statistically significantly higher than in unburned precursors. Sb and Sn showed no statistically significant changes. The forest floor in the birch forest showed a higher increase in mineral material content after the fire and higher levels of most elements studied than the burned coniferous forest floors. Ca was a predominant element in both unburned and burned samples in all forests studied. Our study highlighted the role of wildfires in Siberia in enhancing the levels of geochemical elements in forest floor and the effect of forest type and fire severity on ash characteristics. The increased concentrations of elements represent a potential source of surface water contamination with toxic and eutrophying elements if wildfire ash is transported with overland flow.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Pedestrian Lane Formation by Obstacles on Fire Evacuation Efficiency in the Presence of Unfair Competition
by
Shanwei Liu, Xiao Li, Bozhezi Peng and Chaoyang Li
Fire 2024, 7(7), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070242 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
After a fire breaks out, pedestrians simultaneously move towards the exit and quickly form a crowded area near the exit. With the intensification of pedestrians’ tendencies towards unfair competition, there is an increase in pushing and collisions within the crowd. The possibility of
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After a fire breaks out, pedestrians simultaneously move towards the exit and quickly form a crowded area near the exit. With the intensification of pedestrians’ tendencies towards unfair competition, there is an increase in pushing and collisions within the crowd. The possibility of stampedes within the crowd also gradually increases. Analyzing the causes and psychological tendencies behind pedestrian pushing and collisions has a positive effect on reducing crowd instability and improving evacuation efficiency. This research proposes a modified social force model considering the unfair competition tendency of pedestrians. The model considers factors such as the gap between pedestrians’ actual and maximum achievable speed, effective radius, and their distance from the exit. In order to overcome the shortage of “deadlock” in the classical social force model in a high-density environment, this research introduces the feature of variable pedestrian effective radius. The effective radius of pedestrians dynamically changes according to the density of the surrounding crowd and queuing time. Through validation, the evacuation efficiency of this model aligns well with the actual situation and effectively reflects pedestrians’ pushing and squeezing behaviors in high-density environments. This research also analyzes how to strategically arrange obstacles to mitigate the exacerbating effect of unfair pedestrian competition on exit congestion. Five experiments were conducted to analyze how the relative position of obstacles and exits, the number of evacuation paths, and the size of the obstacle-free area before the exit affect evacuation efficiency in the presence of unfair pedestrian competition. The results show that evacuation efficiency can be improved when obstacles play a role in guiding or reducing the interaction of pedestrians in different queues. However, when obstacles hinder pedestrians, the evacuation efficiency is reduced to a certain extent.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Industrial Fire and Urban Fire Research)
Open AccessArticle
A Robustness Study on Early Fire Image Recognitions
by
Jingwu Wang, Yifeng Tu, Yinuo Huo and Jingxia Ren
Fire 2024, 7(7), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070241 - 10 Jul 2024
Abstract
With the advancement of society and the rapid urbanization process, there is an escalating need for effective fire detection systems. This study endeavors to bolster the efficacy and dependability of fire detection systems in intricate settings by refining the existing You Only Look
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With the advancement of society and the rapid urbanization process, there is an escalating need for effective fire detection systems. This study endeavors to bolster the efficacy and dependability of fire detection systems in intricate settings by refining the existing You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) algorithm and introducing algorithms grounded on fire characteristics. Primarily, the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) attention mechanism is introduced to steer the model towards substantial features, thereby amplifying detection precision. Subsequently, a multi-scale feature fusion network, employing the Adaptive Spatial Feature Fusion Module (ASFF), is embraced to proficiently amalgamate feature information from various scales, thereby enhancing the model’s comprehension of image content and subsequently fortifying detection resilience. Moreover, refining the loss function and integrating a larger detection head further fortify the model’s capability to discern diminutive targets. Experimental findings illustrate that the refined YOLOv5 algorithm attains accuracy advancements of 8% and 8.2% on standard and small target datasets, respectively. To ascertain the practical viability of the refined YOLOv5 algorithm, this study introduces a temperature-based flame detection algorithm. By amalgamating and deploying both algorithms, the ultimate experimental outcomes reveal that the integrated algorithm not only elevates accuracy but also achieves a frame rate of 57 frames, aligning with the prerequisites for practical deployment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Wildfire: Regime Change and Disaster Response)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Surfactants on the Synthesis and Dissociation of Gas Hydrates
by
Sergey Misyura, Vladimir Morozov, Pavel Strizhak, Nikita Shlegel and Igor Donskoy
Fire 2024, 7(7), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070240 - 9 Jul 2024
Abstract
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The synthesis and dissociation of methane hydrate and carbon dioxide hydrate were studied. Nonflammable gas hydrates can be used to extinguish flames in confined spaces. To increase the extinguishing efficiency, it is necessary to increase the dissociation rate (gas release rate) by using
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The synthesis and dissociation of methane hydrate and carbon dioxide hydrate were studied. Nonflammable gas hydrates can be used to extinguish flames in confined spaces. To increase the extinguishing efficiency, it is necessary to increase the dissociation rate (gas release rate) by using surfactant. The work investigates gas hydrates synthesized using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Experimental studies were carried out in wide ranges of surfactant concentration, the number of the stirrer revolutions and the initial water volume. To achieve the maximum rate of synthesis and dissociation, optimization of the specified parameters was performed. The influence of the key parameters on the dissociation rate was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The novelty of the work lies in solving a complex of interrelated tasks on the synthesis and dissociation of gas hydrate. It is shown that in order to achieve the maximum dissociation rate of carbon dioxide hydrate, it is necessary to optimize the following parameters: the diameter of the particles and their porosity, the porosity of the layer and the external heat flux.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/fire/fire-07-00240/article_deploy/html/images/fire-07-00240-g001-550.jpg?1720534216)
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Open AccessArticle
Characterization of Several Pellets from Agroforestry Residues: A Comparative Analysis of Physical and Energy Efficiency
by
Salvatore Francesco Papandrea, Adriano Palma, Monica Carnevale, Enrico Paris, Beatrice Vincenti, Francesco Gallucci and Andrea Rosario Proto
Fire 2024, 7(7), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070239 - 9 Jul 2024
Abstract
The use of agroforestry biomass provides several advantages, both from an environmental point of view, in terms of the mitigation of global warming, and in terms of a circular economy for agricultural or agroforestry companies that reuse pruning residues as a source of
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The use of agroforestry biomass provides several advantages, both from an environmental point of view, in terms of the mitigation of global warming, and in terms of a circular economy for agricultural or agroforestry companies that reuse pruning residues as a source of energy. However, even if the use of energy pellets resulting from the pruning residues of various agroforestry species has excellent potential for the valorization of agricultural by-products, the physicochemical characteristics of these pellets have been scarcely studied by the scientific community. In this context, this study aims to assess the valorization potential of various lignocellulosic material residues produced during agroforestry activities. The objectives of the study include evaluating the chemical and physical characteristics of pellets produced with different mixtures of agroforestry biomass (olive, citrus, black locust, poplar, paulownia, etc.) in order to determine the optimal pellet blend from an energy and physicochemical perspective. The results of this study demonstrate that this comprehensive analysis provides valuable information on the optimization of biomass mixtures for better energy valorization, addressing both compositional and combustion-related challenges. In fact, it is observed that the addition of citrus and olive biomass to the various mixtures increases their energy potential. Furthermore, all of the pellets analyzed are found to possess an adequate and useful durability index (PDI) for their handling during storage and transport operations. This study demonstrates that olive and citrus pruning residues can be used to improve biomasses that have poor suitability in energetic, physical, and chemical terms. Further studies could be useful to understand which specific interaction mechanisms have an influence on emissions in order to optimize mixtures using different biomass sources for sustainable energy production.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Burning)
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Analysis between Remote Sensing Burned Area Products in Brazil: A Case Study in an Environmentally Unstable Watershed
by
Juarez Antonio da Silva Junior, Admilson da Penha Pacheco, Antonio Miguel Ruiz-Armenteros and Renato Filipe Faria Henriques
Fire 2024, 7(7), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070238 - 9 Jul 2024
Abstract
Forest fires can profoundly impact the hydrological response of river basins, modifying vegetation characteristics and soil infiltration. This results in a significant increase in surface flow and channel runoff. In response to these effects, many researchers from different areas of earth sciences are
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Forest fires can profoundly impact the hydrological response of river basins, modifying vegetation characteristics and soil infiltration. This results in a significant increase in surface flow and channel runoff. In response to these effects, many researchers from different areas of earth sciences are committed to determining emergency measures to rehabilitate river basins, intending to restore their functions and minimize damage to soil resources. This study aims to analyze the mapping detection capacity of burned areas in a river basin in Brazil based on images acquired by AMAZÔNIA-1/WFI and the AQ1KM product. The effectiveness of the AMAZÔNIA-1 satellite in this regard is evaluated, given the importance of the subject and the relatively recent introduction of the satellite. The AQ1KM data were used to analyze statistical trends and spatial patterns in the area burned from 2003 to 2023. The U-Net architecture was used for training and classification of the burned area in AMAZÔNIA-1 images. An increasing trend in burned area was observed through the Mann–Kendall test map and Sen’s slope, with the months of the second semester showing a greater occurrence of burned areas. The NIR band was found to be the most sensitive spectral resource for detecting burned areas. The AMAZÔNIA-1 satellite demonstrated superior performance in estimating thematic accuracy, with a correlation of above 0.7 achieved in regression analyses using a 10 km grid cell resolution. The findings of this study have significant implications for the application of Brazilian remote sensing products in ecology, water resources, and river basin management and monitoring applications.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Wildfire Detection, Monitoring and Surveillance)
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Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Numerical Investigation of Flow and Flame Structures in an Industrial Swirling Inverse Diffusion Methane/Air Burner
by
Mengwei Sun, Yali Shao, Yu Gong, Chuanyi Xu, Tao Song, Ping Lu and Ramesh K. Agarwal
Fire 2024, 7(7), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070237 - 5 Jul 2024
Abstract
In this study, a novel gas burner combining air swirl and an inverse diffusion flame (IDF) is designed for industrial applications. Numerical simulations using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method and simplified reaction mechanisms are conducted to predict the turbulent flow and combustion performance
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In this study, a novel gas burner combining air swirl and an inverse diffusion flame (IDF) is designed for industrial applications. Numerical simulations using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method and simplified reaction mechanisms are conducted to predict the turbulent flow and combustion performance of the burner. Detailed flow structures, flame structures and effects of burner configurations are examined. The simulation results indicate that the swirl action of the burner creates a central recirculation zone and two external recirculation zones at the burner head, which stabilize combustion. The tangential velocity is minimal at the center of the burner and decreases with increasing distance from the outlet. As the distance from the exit increases, the maximum tangential velocity gradually decreases, and the peak value shifts towards the wall. This decrease in tangential velocity with axial distance signifies the gradual dissipation of the swirl effect, which disappears near the chamber outlet. The comparisons reveal that altering the number of burner fuel nozzles is more effective in reducing NO emissions than changing the inclination angle of the fuel nozzles, in the given conditions. Favorable combustion conditions are achieved when there are 16 fuel nozzles and the nozzle inclination angle is 60°, resulting in a 28.5% reduction in NO emissions at the outlet, compared to the reference condition.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Industrial Fire and Urban Fire Research)
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Open AccessArticle
“Not Even Hell Must Look like This”—Print Media Narratives about the October 2017 Wildfires in Portuguese Public-Managed Forests
by
Elisabete Figueiredo, Cristina Ribeiro and Maria Eduarda Fernandes
Fire 2024, 7(7), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070236 - 5 Jul 2024
Abstract
The unprecedented wildfires of 2017 in Portugal, particularly affecting the Centre Region, resulted in more than 100 deaths and numerous other dramatic socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Due to the unparalleled magnitude of these events, the extent of the burned area, and the catastrophic
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The unprecedented wildfires of 2017 in Portugal, particularly affecting the Centre Region, resulted in more than 100 deaths and numerous other dramatic socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Due to the unparalleled magnitude of these events, the extent of the burned area, and the catastrophic consequences, forest and fire management were placed at the center stage of public and political concerns, receiving wide mass media attention and amplification likely to shape public opinion and influence policy decisions. Through a quasi-qualitative content analysis approach, this article focuses on the media narratives conveyed by the news issued over two years (N = 1056) by eight newspapers of different periodicities and geographical scopes regarding the wildfires of October 2017 in the Matas do Litoral—coastal public-managed forest areas located in the Centre Region of Portugal. The analysis focuses on three main dimensions: the agents and actors mentioned and their power-related positions, the geographical coverage of the newspapers, and the relevance ascribed to emotions and feelings in the media narratives about the wildfires. The results demonstrate the relevance attributed in media narratives to the views of institutional agents and the negligence of local people’s voices. When particularly highlighting the material impacts of the wildfires, media narratives tended to focus less on people’s emotions and other non-tangible issues. The variation in these narratives according to the geographical scope of the newspapers and the publication time of the news strongly points out the need to address the heterogeneous character of the media coverage of wildfires.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fire Social Science)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Room Layout on Natural Gas Explosion in Kitchen
by
Kai Yang, Hao Wu and Ye Chen
Fire 2024, 7(7), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070235 - 5 Jul 2024
Abstract
In order to elucidate the overpressure and fire hazard effects of gas explosion in a congested room, the effects of gas concentration and room layout on a gas explosion in a kitchen were studied by CFD. The results showed that the flow field
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In order to elucidate the overpressure and fire hazard effects of gas explosion in a congested room, the effects of gas concentration and room layout on a gas explosion in a kitchen were studied by CFD. The results showed that the flow field parameters in a kitchen exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease as the gas concentration increased. The maximum gas flow rate recorded within the chamber was 390 m/s, while the corresponding maximum flame propagation rate and peak pressure reached 289.86 m/s and 30.95 kPa, respectively. The difference in the flow field induced by the concentration was further enhanced by the presence of congested materials. Additionally, the room layout influenced the gas congestion’s blowout effect due to variations in turbulence intensity and flammable gas volume caused by significant changes in the congestion within the room. Specifically, when the gas concentration was 10%, the order of indoor gas flow rate and flame combustion rate were II > U > L > I, while the turbulent kinetic energy and explosive overpressure followed the order I > II > L > U. The results are of great significance for the disaster assessment and accident prevention of natural gas explosion in civil kitchens.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Industrial Fire and Urban Fire Research)
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Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Wildfire Climate on Wildfire Incidence: The Case of Portugal
by
Mário G. Pereira, Norberto Gonçalves and Malik Amraoui
Fire 2024, 7(7), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070234 - 3 Jul 2024
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Although the influence of climate on the fire regime is unanimously recognized, most publications and studies on this influence are on a global scale. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the role of climate in wildfire incidence at the country and regional scale
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Although the influence of climate on the fire regime is unanimously recognized, most publications and studies on this influence are on a global scale. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the role of climate in wildfire incidence at the country and regional scale using multivariate statistical analysis and machine learning methods (clustering and classification algorithms). Mainland Portugal was chosen as a case study due to its climate and because it is the European region most affected by wildfires. The results demonstrate the climate signature in the spatial and temporal distribution of the wildfire incidence. The conclusions of the study include (i) the existence of two pyro-regions, with different types of climate (Csb and Csa) composed of NUTS II regions: the northern region composed of the Norte and Centro regions and the southern region composed of Alentejo and Algarve; (ii) the intra-annual variability in the wildfire incidence, characterized by two peaks, one in the spring and the other in the summer, are a consequence of the country’s type of climate; and (iii) how the annual cycle of wildfire incidence varies over the years depends on the weather conditions throughout each year. These results are of fundamental importance for wildfire managers, especially in the context of climate change.
Full article
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Open AccessReview
Recent Developments in Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Transportation: Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives
by
Sanjay Kumar Singh Patel, Rahul K. Gupta, M. V. Rohit and Jung-Kul Lee
Fire 2024, 7(7), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070233 - 3 Jul 2024
Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) is considered a suitable substitute for conventional energy sources because it is abundant and environmentally friendly. However, the widespread adoption of H2 as an energy source poses several challenges in H2 production, storage, safety, and transportation. Recent
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Hydrogen (H2) is considered a suitable substitute for conventional energy sources because it is abundant and environmentally friendly. However, the widespread adoption of H2 as an energy source poses several challenges in H2 production, storage, safety, and transportation. Recent efforts to address these challenges have focused on improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of H2 production methods, developing advanced storage technologies to ensure safe handling and transportation of H2, and implementing comprehensive safety protocols. Furthermore, efforts are being made to integrate H2 into the existing energy infrastructure and explore new opportunities for its application in various sectors such as transportation, industry, and residential applications. Overall, recent developments in H2 production, storage, safety, and transportation have opened new avenues for the widespread adoption of H2 as a clean and sustainable energy source. This review highlights potential solutions to overcome the challenges associated with H2 production, storage, safety, and transportation. Additionally, it discusses opportunities to achieve a carbon-neutral society and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen Safety: Challenges and Opportunities)
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Open AccessArticle
The Bacharach Method: A Low-Cost Tool for Small-Scale Combustion Units’ Flue Gas Quality Control
by
Jiří Ryšavý, Wei-Mon Yan, Thangavel Sangeetha, Jenn-Kun Kuo, Cheng-Chi Wang, František Hopan, Maria Gouveia, Carla Oliveira Henriques, Lenka Kuboňová and Tadeáš Ochodek
Fire 2024, 7(7), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070232 - 3 Jul 2024
Abstract
Although current EU regulations, such as EU Directive 2015/1189 on the eco-design of solid fuel boilers and Directive 2015/1188, in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, require manufacturers to meet specific emission requirements for CE marking, the routine and regular onsite testing of
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Although current EU regulations, such as EU Directive 2015/1189 on the eco-design of solid fuel boilers and Directive 2015/1188, in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, require manufacturers to meet specific emission requirements for CE marking, the routine and regular onsite testing of household heating appliances is still not mandatory in many EU countries. This research endeavour addressed this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of the Bacharach method as a rapid and cost-effective tool for assessing flue gas quality, particularly in terms of particulate matter mass concentration. This study also compared the results of the Bacharach method with those obtained from two commercially available portable analysers. The research outcomes demonstrate that the Bacharach method, in combination with an innovative evaluation approach, offers a viable solution, enabling the swift and economical assessment of flue gas quality with the primary objective of determining the boiler class according to the limits specified by standard EN 303-5 under operating conditions. The modified Bacharach method for measuring TSP in solid fuel-fired boilers provides qualitatively similar results to the commercially used SM500 and STM225 instruments. The modified Bacharach methodology was primarily developed for comparison to the boiler class 3 limit (i.e., 125 and 150 mg/m3). The study revealed that the modified Bacharach method, when applied to biomass-based boilers, exhibited higher accuracies in the case of classification into classes 3 and 4, whereas fossil fuel-based boilers demonstrated higher accuracy in the case of class 5 limits.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ignition Mechanism and Advanced Combustion Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Using a Cultural Keystone Species in Participatory Monitoring of Fire Management in Indigenous Lands in the Brazilian Savanna
by
Rodrigo de Moraes Falleiro, Lívia Carvalho Moura, Pedro Paulo Xerente, Charles Pereira Pinto, Marcelo Trindade Santana, Maristella Aparecida Corrêa and Isabel Belloni Schmidt
Fire 2024, 7(7), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070231 - 2 Jul 2024
Abstract
There is a consensus that fire should be actively managed in tropical savannas to decrease wildfire risks, firefighting costs, and social conflicts as well as to promote ecosystem conservation. Selection and participatory monitoring of the effects of fire on cultural keystone species may
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There is a consensus that fire should be actively managed in tropical savannas to decrease wildfire risks, firefighting costs, and social conflicts as well as to promote ecosystem conservation. Selection and participatory monitoring of the effects of fire on cultural keystone species may be an efficient way to involve local stakeholders and inform management decisions. In this study, we investigated the effects of different fire regimes on a cultural keystone species in Central Brazil. With the support of diverse multiethnic groups of local fire brigades, we sampled Hancornia speciosa (Apocynaceae) populations across a vast regional range of 18 traditional territories (Indigenous Lands and Quilombola Territories) as well as four restricted Protected Areas. We considered areas under wildfires (WF), prescribed burns (PB) and fire exclusion (FE) and quantified tree mortality, canopy damage, loss of reproductive structures and fruit production following a simplified field protocol. Areas with H. speciosa populations were identified and classified according to their fire history, and in each sampled area, adult plants were evaluated. We hypothesized that WF would have larger negative impact on the population parameters measured, while FE would increase plant survival and fruit production. We found that tree mortality, canopy damage, and loss of reproductive structures were higher in areas affected by wildfires, which also had the lowest fruit production per plant compared to PB and FE areas, corroborating our hypotheses. However, we also found higher mortality in FE areas compared to PB ones, probably due to plant diseases in areas with longer FE. Considering these results and that the attempts to exclude fire from fire-prone ecosystems commonly lead to periodic wildfires, we argue that the Integrated Fire Management program in course in federal Protected Areas in Brazil—based on early dry season prescribed fires—is a good management option for this, and likely other, cultural keystone species in the Brazilian savanna.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Fire Ecology and Management in Tropical and Subtropical Ecosystems)
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Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Drought and Wildfire Trends in Native Forests of South-Central Chile in the 21st Century
by
Efraín Duarte, Rafael Rubilar, Francisco Matus, Claudia Garrido-Ruiz, Carolina Merino, Cecilia Smith-Ramirez, Felipe Aburto, Claudia Rojas, Alejandra Stehr, José Dörner, Francisco Nájera, Guillermo Barrientos and Ignacio Jofré
Fire 2024, 7(7), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070230 - 2 Jul 2024
Abstract
Over the last decades, Chile has experienced a long-term drought with significant consequences for water availability, forest productivity, and soil degradation, ultimately dramatically increasing the surface of burned area. Here, we quantify the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) to ascertain the extent of
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Over the last decades, Chile has experienced a long-term drought with significant consequences for water availability, forest productivity, and soil degradation, ultimately dramatically increasing the surface of burned area. Here, we quantify the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) to ascertain the extent of “moisture deficiency” across the central-southern region of Chile from 2000 to 2023 to assess the drought’s relationship with the frequency of wildfires focusing on the impact of native forests. Our methodology quantifies the PDSI from the burned area data using MODIS MCD64A1 satellite imagery, validated by in situ wildfire occurrence records. The findings indicate that 85.2% of fires occurred under moderate to severe drought conditions. We identified 407,561 ha showing varying degrees of degradation due to wildfires, highlighting the critical areas for targeted conservation efforts. A significant increase in both the frequency of wildfires and the extent of the affected area in native forests was observed with the intensification of drought conditions in the 21st century within mesic to humid Mediterranean climatic zones where drought explains up to 41% of the variability in the burned area (r2 = 0.41; p < 0.05). This study highlights the relationship between drought conditions and wildfire frequency, showing the paramount need to adopt comprehensive wildfire mitigation management in native forests.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Use of Remote Sensing Technology for Forest Fire)
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Open AccessArticle
Study of the Safety Characteristics of Different Types of Pepper Powder (Capsicum L.)
by
László Kosár, Zuzana Szabová, Richard Kuracina, Stefan H. Spitzer, Miroslav Mynarz and Bohdan Filipi
Fire 2024, 7(7), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070229 - 2 Jul 2024
Abstract
This research was aimed at comparing the fire characteristics of different types of pepper in the context of explosion prevention. The following characteristics were studied: explosion pressure Pmax and Kst at selected concentrations, ignition temperature of the deposited dust layer from
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This research was aimed at comparing the fire characteristics of different types of pepper in the context of explosion prevention. The following characteristics were studied: explosion pressure Pmax and Kst at selected concentrations, ignition temperature of the deposited dust layer from the hot surface, and minimum ignition energy. The comparison of the chemical properties of the used types of pepper was performed using TG/DSC. The results of the measurements suggest that different types of peppers exhibit different explosion characteristics. Each sample reached the maximum value of the explosion pressure and rate of pressure rise at different concentrations. The volume of the explosion chamber used also influenced the explosion characteristics. It is a consequence of the fact that the explosion characteristics strongly depend on the mechanism of action of a particular igniter. The minimum effect on the safety characteristics was observed when measuring the minimum ignition energy and the minimum ignition temperature of the dust layer from the hot surface. The results of the measurements suggest that different types of peppers exhibit different explosion characteristics. This information should then be considered in explosion prevention.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire and Explosions Risk in Industrial Processes)
Open AccessArticle
Time Delay Estimation for Acoustic Temperature Measurement of Loose Coal Based on Quadratic Correlation PHAT-β Algorithm
by
Yin Liu, Jun Guo, Wenjing Gao, Hu Wen, Guobin Cai, Yongfei Jin and Kaixuan Wang
Fire 2024, 7(7), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070228 - 1 Jul 2024
Abstract
The acoustic temperature measurement method has a broad application prospect due to its advantages of high precision, non-contact, etc. It is expected to become a new method for hidden fire source detection in mines. The acoustic time of flight (TOF) can directly affect
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The acoustic temperature measurement method has a broad application prospect due to its advantages of high precision, non-contact, etc. It is expected to become a new method for hidden fire source detection in mines. The acoustic time of flight (TOF) can directly affect the accuracy of acoustic temperature measurement. We proposed a quadratic correlation-based phase transform weighting (PHAT-β) algorithm for estimating the time delay of the acoustic temperature measurement of a loose coal. Validation was performed using an independently built experimental system for acoustic temperature measurement of loose coals under multi-factor coupling. The results show that the PHAT-β algorithm estimated acoustic TOF values closest to the reference line as the sound travelling distance increased. The results of coal temperature inversion experiments show that the absolute error of the PHAT-β algorithm never exceeds 1 °C, with a maximum value of 0.862 °C. Using the ROTH weighted error maximum, when the particle of the coal samples is 3.0–5.0 cm, the absolute error maximum is 4.896 °C, which is a difference of 3.693 °C from the error minimum of 1.203 °C in this particle size interval. The accuracy of six algorithms was ranked as PHAT-β > GCC > PHAT > SCOT > HB > ROTH, further validating the accuracy and reliability of the PHAT-β algorithm.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fire Risk Assessment and Safety Management in Buildings and Urban Spaces)
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Open AccessArticle
A Framework for Conducting and Communicating Probabilistic Wildland Fire Forecasts
by
Janice L. Coen, Gary W. Johnson, J. Shane Romsos and David Saah
Fire 2024, 7(7), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070227 - 1 Jul 2024
Abstract
Fire models predict fire behavior and effects. However, there is a need to know how confident users can be in forecasts. This work developed a probabilistic methodology based on ensemble simulations that incorporated uncertainty in weather, fuel loading, and model physics parameters. It
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Fire models predict fire behavior and effects. However, there is a need to know how confident users can be in forecasts. This work developed a probabilistic methodology based on ensemble simulations that incorporated uncertainty in weather, fuel loading, and model physics parameters. It provided information on the most likely forecast scenario, confidence levels, and potential outliers. It also introduced novel ways to communicate uncertainty in calculation and graphical representation and applied this to diverse wildfires using ensemble simulations of the CAWFE coupled weather–fire model ranging from 12 to 26 members. The ensembles captured many features but spread was narrower than expected, especially with varying weather and fuel inputs, suggesting errors may not be easily mitigated by improving input data. Varying physics parameters created a wider spread, including identifying an outlier, underscoring modeling knowledge gaps. Uncertainty was communicated using burn probability, spread rate, and heat flux, a fire intensity metric related to burn severity. Despite limited ensemble spread, maps of mean and standard deviation exposed event times and locations where fire behavior was more uncertain, requiring more management or observations. Interpretability was enhanced by replacing traditional hot–cold color palettes with ones that accommodate the vision-impaired and adhere to web accessibility standards.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Probabilistic Risk Assessments in Fire Protection Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Comparison of Perimeter Delineation Methods for Remote Sensing Fire Spot Data in Near/Ultra-Real-Time Applications
by
Hanif Bhuian, Hatef Dastour, Mohammad Razu Ahmed and Quazi K. Hassan
Fire 2024, 7(7), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070226 - 1 Jul 2024
Abstract
Forest fires cause extensive damage to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human property, posing significant challenges for emergency response and resource management. The accurate and timely delineation of forest fire perimeters is crucial for mitigating these impacts. In this study, methods for delineating forest fire
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Forest fires cause extensive damage to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human property, posing significant challenges for emergency response and resource management. The accurate and timely delineation of forest fire perimeters is crucial for mitigating these impacts. In this study, methods for delineating forest fire perimeters using near-real-time (NRT) remote sensing data are evaluated. Specifically, the performance of various algorithms—buffer, concave, convex, and combination methods—using VIIRS and MODIS datasets is assessed. It was found that increasing concave α values improves the matching percentage with reference areas but also increases the commission error (CE), indicating overestimation. The results demonstrate that combination methods generally achieve higher matching percentages, but also higher CEs. These findings highlight the trade-off between improved perimeter accuracy and the risk of overestimation. The insights gained are significant for optimizing sensor data alignment techniques, thereby enhancing rapid response, resource allocation, and evacuation planning in fire management. This research is the first to employ multiple algorithms in both individual and synergistic approaches with NRT or ultra-real-time (URT) active fire data, providing a critical foundation for future studies aimed at improving the accuracy and timeliness of forest fire perimeter assessments. Such advancements are essential for effective disaster management and mitigation strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Wildfire: Regime Change and Disaster Response)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Study on the Inerting Effect of Premixed Inert Gas of CO2 and N2 in Goaf
by
Bobo Shi and Jiaxing Zhao
Fire 2024, 7(7), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070225 - 1 Jul 2024
Abstract
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As the conventional inert gas, it is used for the prevention and control of coal’s spontaneous combustion, mainly N2 and CO2. However, there is limited research focusing on the inerting effect of composite inert gas. This paper studied the impact
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As the conventional inert gas, it is used for the prevention and control of coal’s spontaneous combustion, mainly N2 and CO2. However, there is limited research focusing on the inerting effect of composite inert gas. This paper studied the impact of using a premixed inert gas (N2 accounted for 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%) instead of CO2 on the inerting effect of nearly horizontal and gently inclined goaf by building a physical similarity simulation experiment platform. The experimental results showed that the inerting effect of premixed inert gas was better than that of CO2. For instance, in a nearly horizontal goaf, the inerting effect of the premixed inert gas was optimal when the N2 accounted for 70%. The average O2 concentration in the monitored area decreased from 9.7% with CO2 to 6.4%. In addition, in the gently inclined goaf, the premixed inert gas exhibited an accumulation state similar to CO2, primarily occurring in the lower part region adjacent to the working face. Furthermore, the accumulation state of premixed inert gas was inversely proportional to its inerting effect. This study has important reference significance for applying inert gas fire prevention and extinguishing technology in mines.
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Factors Influencing Fire Accidents in Commercial Complexes Based on WSR-DEMATEL-ISM Model
by
Rongshui Qin, Chenchen Shi, Tao Yu, Chao Ding, Xin Ren and Junfeng Xiao
Fire 2024, 7(7), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7070224 - 30 Jun 2024
Abstract
Commercial complexes integrate various business formats, and a fire outbreak can lead to widespread, continuous, and chain-reaction social disturbances, including severe casualties, economic losses, and social impacts. To deeply explore the characteristics and influencing factors of fire accidents in urban commercial complexes in
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Commercial complexes integrate various business formats, and a fire outbreak can lead to widespread, continuous, and chain-reaction social disturbances, including severe casualties, economic losses, and social impacts. To deeply explore the characteristics and influencing factors of fire accidents in urban commercial complexes in China, this study first analyzed fire accident cases in commercial complexes that occurred from 2002 to 2022. Using mathematical statistics, the analysis examined the year and month of the accidents, their severity, and their causes to identify key risk factors associated with fire hazards in urban commercial complexes. Subsequently, based on the WSR methodology, an index system for assessing the influencing factors of fire accidents in commercial complexes was constructed, encompassing four aspects: personnel, equipment, environment, and management, including 11 cause indicators and 9 outcome indicators. Then, the Decision Experiment and Evaluation Laboratory Method (DEMATEL) was used to quantitatively analyze the relationships among influencing factors, combined with Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) to perform a hierarchical categorization of the factors and identify those critically influencing commercial complex fires. This research indicates that critical influencing factors include inadequate regulations, insufficient fire safety inspections, inadequate safety training, careless use of fire during operations, inadequate government supervision, illegal renovations, unimplemented corporate fire safety responsibilities, and poor routine maintenance and management. These results provide a theoretical reference for effectively preventing and controlling fires in commercial complexes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire Safety Management and Risk Assessment)
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