File attachment:
| Title | Fire Development, Transitions and Suppression Final Report |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Year of Publication | 2014 |
| Authors | Sullivan, A, Cruz, MG, Ellis, P, Gould, JS, Plucinski, MP, Hurley, R, Koul, V |
| Date Published | 17/04/2014 |
| ISBN Number | 978-0-9875218-9-7 |
| Abstract | This report represents an extensive body of research that will support many aspects of operational fire management. In particular, this project provides a greater understanding of fire behaviour processes associated with fire initiation and development. The implications for firefighting agencies are significant. The project has been funded through the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre and has included end-user consultation throughout the project. Fire agencies provided input to the direction of the project as well as receiving ongoing updates on the progress of the research. This has been a successful implementation of the CRC model, partnering research with operational end users. Fire behaviour models used in current fire management do not adequately consider the initial development phase of fires from their ignition. A greater understanding of the conditions for fire initiation and growth has the potential to substantially increase the accuracy of fire spread predictions. More accurate timing of early fire predictions will improve community warnings and advice and potentially save lives. The results from this project will provide the evidence for fire agencies to refine management practices that rely on fire behaviour and fire load information. These improvements to operational procedures will increase fire fighter safety, assist with resource allocation specifically for first attack and potentially increase suppression effectiveness. For agencies with a volunteer based workforce, greater efficiency in resource allocation is increasingly important due to the ever increasing demands on the workforce. |
