Strip Mall on fire

New FSRI Online Training Addresses Impact of Ventilation on Commercial Structure Fires

July 1, 2021
Remote video URL

Research-based considerations aim to increase firefighter knowledge on the importance of coordination on the fireground.

The new “Impact of Ventilation on Strip Malls” online training course is now available via the FSRI Fire Safety Academy. This online course explores the results of the fire experiments conducted in a multi-unit strip mall as part of the “Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures.” These experiments were conducted in collaboration with the Fairborn Fire Department (Fairborn, OH) to explore the impact of ventilation on the fire dynamics of large, open volume commercial structures. 

“In collaboration with members of the project technical panel, we present the results of the experiments in the context of fireground operations. Considerations should be given to the impact that ventilation without suppression can have on the heat release rate of the fire, the fire dynamics associated with fires in large volume structures, in particular how the dynamics differ from what may be encountered on the residential fireground, and the timeline for potential collapse.” 

—  Craig Weinschenk, Research Engineer, FSRI

After taking this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the impact of horizontal and vertical ventilation on the fire dynamics in large volume compartments. 
  • Identify the impact of pressure on fire dynamics in large volume compartments.  
  • Identify the hazards associated with fires in large volume compartments.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ONLINE TRAINING

Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures