UL's Fire Safety Research Institute Online Training Addresses Impact of Ventilation on Commercial Structure Fires

Research-based considerations aim to increase firefighter knowledge on the importance of coordination on the fireground

(Columbia, Md.), July 1, 2021 – UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) announced today the release of the new “Impact of Ventilation on Strip Malls” online training course. This online course explores the results of the fire experiments conducted in a multi-unit strip mall as part of the “Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures.” These experiments were conducted in collaboration with the Fairborn Fire Department (Fairborn, Ohio) to explore the impact of ventilation on the fire dynamics of large, open volume commercial structures.

“In collaboration with members of the project technical panel, we present the results of the experiments in the context of fireground operations. Considerations should be given to the impact that ventilation without suppression can have on the heat release rate of the fire, the fire dynamics associated with fires in large volume structures, in particular how the dynamics differ from what may be encountered on the residential fireground, and the timeline for potential collapse,” said Craig Weinschenk, UL FSRI research engineer. 

After taking this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the impact of horizontal and vertical ventilation on the fire dynamics in large volume compartments.
• Identify the impact of pressure on fires dynamics in large volume compartments. 
• Identify the hazards associated with fires in large volume compartments.

Click here to access the course via the UL FSRI Fire Safety Academy.

Click here to watch an intro video to the course.

About UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute

UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire research knowledge and develops cutting edge, practical fire service education aimed at helping firefighters stay safe while more effectively protecting people and property. Guided by a global advisory board comprised of fire service personnel, UL FSRI investigates residential, commercial, and industrial fires through full-scale testing, field-testing, and modeling to replicate actual fires faced by firefighters. Research results are shared through interactive training courses that have reached hundreds of thousands of firefighters globally. To learn more, visit ULFirefighterSafety.org. Follow UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Underwriters Laboratories

Underwriters Laboratories is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the UL public safety mission through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being. To learn more, visit UL.org.