Physics-Based Simulation Model of Post-Earthquake Fire Spread

This article describes a new model that simulates the spread of post-earthquake urban fires. Adapting and integrating compartment fire models, this new model explicitly represents: (1) the evolution of fire within a room or roof; (2) room-to-room spread within a building through doorways, by burning through walls and ceilings, and by leapfrogging between windows; and (3) building-to-building spread by window flame impingement; radiation from window flames, room gas, and roof flames; and branding. The model can be used to explore how much, how fast, where, and by what modes fires will spread, and what factors influence fire spread.