Complexity and origin of the smoke components as measured near the flame-front of a real forest fire incident: A case study
✍ Scribed by M. Statheropoulos; S. Karma
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science
- Year
- 2007
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 161 KB
- Volume
- 78
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0165-2370
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✦ Synopsis
A case study of a real forest fire incident is presented, where field measurements held out near the flame-front in smoky, hostile conditions. Permanent gases, such as CO, CO 2 , NH 3 , volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM 2.5 , PM 10 ) were monitored. Complexity and possible origin of some of the forest fire smoke components are examined and discussed; styrene identified seems that was originated mostly from the combustion of plastics, due to the forest fire expansion to a plastics storehouse. A new approach, regarding the chemical composition of forest fire smoke and possible origin of smoke components depending on the flame-front expansion (e.g. to rural fields, rural and urban constructions or landfills), is presented in the format of a road-map. The case study tests part of the validity of the road-map, which could be used for air-quality indications and risk assessment in a forest fire. Criteria for monitoring air-quality in a forest fire, for health and safety issues, are also discussed.