SPRING • 2011 11
Carolina Fire Rescue EMS Journal structures to generate the fire and heat radiation needed. The heat fluxes and temperatures on walls and roofs were measured constantly with the data Pictured back row (l-r):Dave Murphy, Dustin Reynolds, acquisition Lana Nelson, Richie Bingler, Joe Urbas & Ellen Sogolow. equipment, Front row (l-r): Aixi Zhou, Jeff Kimble, Robbie Myers & and the tests Palak Desai. were also vidflux gauges, and measured temeotaped. perature in number of places “The full-scale tests were with thermocouples.They then very successful in verifying the burned stacks of wood pallets intermediate-scale lab results,” at various distances from the Dr. Urbas said.
The tests results have shown that the most effective wetting agent is the gel. It is the only wetting agent effective when applied one hour before the fire reaches the structure when exposed to intense sun and wind during that time period. For the final year of the project, the team has started the process of developing their intermediate-scale test method into a full American Standardization and Testing of Materials (ASTM) standard test method. It will also develop an education module for firefighters that will instruct them in the optimum ways of using wetting agents. The project has been very successful, Dr. Urbas said, and much of the success can be
attributed to the great working relationship between the UNC Charlotte researchers and the Charlotte Fire Department. “I especially want to recognize Chief Kevin Gordon and Captain Robbie Myers, who helped with all elements of the large-scale tests,” Dr. Urbas said.“The whole fire department has been great in helping and doing whatever they could for us.”
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