Local Assessment Guide for Conflagration Analysis: System II.

Abstract : This study is concerned with the validation of the block assessment program, and the necessity to develop an alternative approach to block risk analysis that may be used to predict the relative potential for mass fire spread after ignition from other than wartime factors. An extensive literature search concerning both the concept and the methodology of the Gage-Babcock block rating analysis strongly suggests the need for modifying the numerical parameters associated with some of the functional analysis items. Further, the literature search indicated the need to expand the scope of the study to encompass fire spread between blocks. A revised block rating methodology has been constructed based on the literature search findings. An initial validation study of both the original block rating methodology and the revised block rating methodology was conducted. On the basis of the validation program, a number of significant refinements and component changes were made to the local assessment method for measuring mass fire spread potential in urban blocks. Originator supplied keywords include: Conflagration, Mass Fire, Fire Spread Analysis, Emergency Management, Fire Protection Master Planning, Urban Redevelopment, Fire Department.