Decision making support in case of large scale storage fires

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important components of the effectiveness of the intervention is alarm level designation, and then its classification on the fire ground. It is especially vital in the case of fires in large-sized buildings, as the right number of intervention units has a crucial role in fire suppression. Method: Author studied the problems of large scale storage fires that happened recently in Hungary. Based on the problems of fire suppressions a theoretical approach was made for measuring the rate between the extinguished 3D surface, the size of the stored material and the floor space of the storage. Results and discussion: Even at the initial stage of the intervention, the incident commander has to tackle with several urgent tasks. Alarm level takes on a crucial role here, because he is in charge of evaluating the situation and deciding on the need for additional units. The paper provides help to make decisions on what extinguishing intensity is required by the hot zone as well as the by the vulnerable zone.