Publication Details
Abstract
Secondary fires ignited by earthquakes, are common, which can aggravate human and infrastructure casualties and lengthen the period of relief operation. All this, means that efficient extinguishing of such fires requires, not only the technical firefighting capacity, but also proper forecasting of the fire development, as well as coordinated tactical actions in conditions of unstable structural conditions. However, what is missing in practice and research is that a much-neglected a crucial link has to do with sequencing of joint actions of fire and rescue units and the population during strong earthquake and other emergent cases.
This study fills this gap by looking at the effectiveness of preventive and tactical activities directed toward rapid and effective eradication of fires occurring after tectonic shocks, including fire spread regularities, combustion conditions, and operational training systems. We discuss research through analytical review of fire development parameters, review of earthquake related building damage patterns, assessments of training exercises and coordinated response measures from both regulatory and practical perspectives.
The study results indicated that a small number of factors influence the reduction of fire extinguishing time, which can be achieved through the increased fire resistance of buildings or other structures subject to seismic protection, as well as a better organization of withdrawals and enhanced interaction between all governing bodies, civil protection structures and the local population. The results suggest that systematic preventive measures including construction density reduction, water supply accessibility, and low flammability construction materials can greatly aid in combating fire.
Implications for practice include integrating seismic and fire safety planning; emergency coordination with communities; and regular high-quality tactical training that reduces total elimination time for consequences of an earthquake.