By Wojciech Wegrzynski
4.7
1515 ratings
The podcast currently has 183 episodes available.
The Grenfell Tower tragedy has triggered a Public Inquiry (which just published their final report), and concurrently - a review of the UK Building Regulations and Fire Safety. The latter task was given to Dame Judith Hackitt, a former Head of the Health and Safety Executive and a chemical engineer.
In this interview Dame Judith Hackitt lends her voice to a pressing dialogue on fire safety reform following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. She uncovers the systemic flaws that allowed such a disaster to occur and stresses the urgent need for a cultural shift in safety practices, beyond mere regulatory compliance. By dissecting the UK's Building Safety Act, we discuss the prioritization of life safety over property protection, particularly within vulnerable residential zones. This conversation not only addresses disparities between residential and commercial building regulations but urges a reevaluation of how safety standards are applied globally.
The episode further explores the inadequacy of outdated fire safety frameworks in the context of modern architecture. Dame Hackitt provides insights into the necessity of involving competent fire engineers early in the design process and the importance of a holistic approach to fire risk assessment. With a new regulatory regime shifting responsibility onto duty holders, the onus is on architects, constructors, and engineers to prove safety from the onset. We highlight the growing demand for skilled fire safety professionals and the need for collaboration and transparency, setting a performance-based precedent for future safety measures.
As we navigate these necessary changes, the discussion underscores the broader implications for the construction industry, including architects, designers, and product manufacturers. We delve into the challenges of adopting a new regulatory mindset, inspired by global practices and insights from esteemed reviews. Dame Hackett's perspectives advocate for industry-led guidance and innovation, stressing the potential for alliances to drive the evolution of fire safety standards. This transformative dialogue serves as a clarion call for heightened accountability and a collective pursuit of excellence within the construction landscape.
If you would like to learn about the regulatory review, please read the Dame Hackitt's final report.
If you would like a scientific commentary to this review, please refer to this paper by Spinardi and Law.
Some of the changes to the regulatory system were also discussed in the Episode 102 of the Fire Science Show about the changing role of architects in the system.
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
AI is changing the world. But can artificial intelligence truly revolutionize fire safety engineering? In this episode I took out my crystal ball, and tried to find answers in what aspects of fire engineering we could truly see a revolutionary impact of AI, and where it is more a disturbing gadget with no real application...
Overall, working in the space for many years, and having talked with many luminaries of the use of AI, I would say my expectations are toned down a lot. I am still excited, but I've also learnt that really good AI applications require exceptional knowledge and resources, often at a level not accessible in fire science. While the building blocks are there, we may be short in the data, processing power or knowledge to truly apply it. At the same time, as AI became a buzzword for novelty, a lot of people pursue very simple AI applications with extraordinary claims - something that kind of triggers and annoys me...
In this episode I try to give my opinion about the use of AI in:
Each of those I've ranked on an arbitrary scale of
1 - b-s.
2 - not too excited
3 - a good use of AI
4 - very exciting use of AI
5 - paradigm shifting use of AI
Which got the highest rank? Listen to the episode to find by yourself :)
In the episode I refer a lot to the previous episodes of the Fire Science Show in which AI technology was discussed. You can listen to those in the AI/ML section of the podcast, find them all here: https://www.firescienceshow.com/category/ai-ml/
Big thanks to the inspirational guests and my close friends that helped me clear my mind on AI, especially to MZ Naser, Jakub Bielawski, Mike Spearpoint, Danny Hopkin, Matt Bonner, Xinyan Huang, Michael Kinsey and Mike Stromgren!
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
CFD is the most talked-over subject in the Fire Science Show. There are two reasons for that: one, it is interesting and relevant for so many of the Audience, and two, it's something I do for a living.
There is also another reason: there are a lot of ideas and concepts of how CFD could be used "better", yet I struggle to see them make an impact in the world of practical engineering. I would love to see the CFD being used in fire as it is in aerospace or Formula1 industries, yet, there are some struggles and bottlenecks that prevent that.
In this podcast episode, I am trying to narrow down the issues and what breakthroughs are necessary to enable scalable CFD analyses for the future. We could get so much more out of our simulations if we fully benefit from the computational power revolution and pursue new data processing methods. The latter are discussed in-depth, showcasing our newest developments at the ITB.
Recommended Fire Science Show episodes:
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
One could argue full-scale experiments on fire phenomena are the most enriching for our knowledge as the fire community. The costs associated with them and logistical nightmares of organizing them make them an uncommon sight. However, in an instance where we reach the boundaries of our knowledge, they are necessary to progress further.
That was the case of the research programme carried out by the OFR, in the umbrella of Structural Timber Association Special Interest Group (SIG) - CLT compartment fire behaviour, including the industrial partners: Binderholtz, KLH and Stora Enso, Henkel and Fermacell. Two large experimental packages of that collaboration ended up in my laboratory, and we got to test our hypothesis and progress our approach to designing mass timber through experiments.
In this podcast episode, Dr Danny Hopkin makes a comeback to the show to give us insight into the observations and conclusions of those very large research programmes. We focus on how findings relate to the current design paradigm, and in which areas the approach has shifted. Following the evolution of the experiment itself, we discuss the changes in the fire behaviour as less and less surfaces were encapsulated, and some problems with partial protection that emerged as a consequence. Finally, we cover topics such as delamination, self-extinction and external flame from mass timber buildings – all important considerations for a designer.
If you would like to learn more about the experiments we have done, please go to the research papers:
Or the STA document library.
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
I approach modelling water mist with caution. Not that I don't understand it, but because I lack clarity in the goals and objectives, as well I'm usually aware I may not deliver the expectations of my clients in terms of the physical phenomena I am capturing... And I'm not the only one like this. In this podcast episode I explore the world of water mist with Dr Max Lakkonen from IFAB, who has just been chosen as the new President of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA),
Max dives into the history and evolution of water mist technology, explaining how a catastrophic fire on a Scandinavian Star Cruise liner 35 years ago led to its commercial introduction. Discover why understanding droplet size is crucial for optimising water mist systems and why it's important to understand these systems with a clear understanding of objectives to achieve effective fire safety solutions.
Max discusses the necessity of extensive experimental testing to account for different nozzle types, pressures, and flow rates, highlighting the complexity involved in designing these systems. We also touch on the importance of industry collaboration and the role of organizations like IWMA in bridging the gap between specialized water mist companies and fire safety engineers, ultimately ensuring the dissemination of crucial information and best practices.
Dive into the intricacies of CFD modelling in fire safety engineering, especially for water mist systems. Max brings to light the limitations of relying solely on CFD without experimental validation and the benefits of using CFD for preliminary studies to save both time and costs. We address the unique challenges of modelling cooling effects, fire suppression in tunnels, and the need for best practices and guidelines in fire safety engineering. Listen in to gain valuable insights from one of the leading experts in the field and understand why practical application often trumps academic theory in real-world fire control scenarios.
Most importantly, the CFD Position Paper we have promised to you is available to download now!!!
Make sure to visit the International Water Mist Association site for more resources and the necessary connection with the industry.
The cover image was captured at the Baltic Fire Laboratory during ITB-FRISSBE Summer School. If you want to see it live, pay attention to our announcements on LinkedIn, and perhaps we can see each other next summer!
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
What happens to controlled doors when a fire is detected in the building? They unlock. Elevators? They go down. People are guided somewhere, and the fire strategy is executed. As it should.
But what if the real threat is not the fire itself? What if the real threat is using the fire as a decoy or, worse, as a tool? What if the threat has intelligence, motives and the ability to adapt to the actions of our systems?
Now, this is a frightening scenario. A scenario in which the security objectives could be much more important than fire ones. But we do not design our fire safety systems for such a possibility. Likewise, the security layer affects 'our' design by interfering with evacuation pathways or locking parts of the facility that we would like to keep open.
In this episode, Steve Gwynne and Aoife Hunt from Movement Strategies take me on a journey of integrating fire safety and security objectives in the building design. Learn how ingress, circulation, and egress must align with safety and operational procedures, and discover the potentially catastrophic outcomes when fire safety engineers overlook security aspects.
As we rethink traditional fire safety strategies in the face of modern threats, this episode explores the intersection of fire safety and security like never before. We discuss increasing fire recognition as a weapon and the necessity for integrating advanced detection systems and human behaviour training. Together with Steve and Aoife, we strongly advocate for a unified approach to building safety that leverages the strengths of both disciplines, making our environments safer and more resilient.
Here, I would like to direct you towards two resources of my own:
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
EVs are becoming more of a 'normal' part of fire safety engineering rather than an 'exotic problem'. I've invited two colleagues from Thornton Tomasetti - Ali Ashrafi and Pawel Woelke, to discuss what this engineering looks like.
In the episode, we discuss insights into how fire risks differ between electric and internal combustion engine vehicles and why the focus is shifting from cars to more pressing hazards like electric scooters and energy storage systems. We explore the different approaches in the US and Europe, discussing the importance of performance-based solutions and timely detection to manage fire risks effectively. W We'll also discuss the critical role of ongoing education and adaptation in the fire safety industry as technology evolves.
An important aspect is the practical strategies for mitigating fire spread and explosion hazards in vehicle design and parking facilities. From the significance of separation distances and sprinklers to the potential dangers of gas accumulation, our conversation dives deep into the intricacies of ensuring a safer environment for both people and property. We also highlight the importance of early planning and thoughtful design in integrating EV infrastructure into building designs, and how real-world incidents shape our understanding and approach to EV safety.
If you would like further reading, please refer to the phase 2 report from NFPA at
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/fire-protection-research-foundation/projects-and-reports/modern-vehicle-hazards-in-parking-garages-vehicle-carriers
You may also be interested in the investigation of the explosion hazards researched by FSRI - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236124019677?via%3Dihub=
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
Fires in the waste industry are not discussed much unless one sees a giant smoke plume in the media, followed by advice to close your windows. In these (rare?) cases, we remind ourselves of the massive industry related to storing, sorting and recycling garbage, and the obvious environmental hazards such fires pose.
From 2017 to 2020, Poland experienced a challenging time with fires at landfills, primarily caused by arson or negligence. A bit later, when I was working on my chapter for the Handbook of Fire and the Environment, I saw Ragni Fjellgaard Mikalsen working on hers about waste fires, and I found that work very relevant and useful. Finally, it is time to dive deeper into the subject, and hence, I have Ragni on the podcast, and we talk about garbage!
Her expertise in smouldering fires and collaborations with Norwegian authorities bring invaluable insights into the unique fire risks faced by waste handling, processing, and storage facilities. From outdoor landfills to indoor recycling centres, Ragni shares how accurate fire reporting and comprehensive data analysis can significantly enhance fire safety protocols in this crucial sector. She introduces us to the "traffic light" system to illustrate the risks at different facilities.
Balancing ideal waste storage practices with economic realities is no small feat. In this episode, Ragni discusses the intricacies of managing waste storage, from controlling moisture and temperature in storage piles to proper sorting practices to minimise impurities in incoming waste. We also cover the urgent need for governmental intervention and innovative insurance solutions to tackle the high-hazard waste mismanagement issues in places like Poland.
And here are the promised further reading resources from Ragni:
Link to waste paper:
Fires in waste facilities: Challenges and solutions from a Scandinavian perspective, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2020.103023
Link to Handbook:
Chapter 13 on Mitigation Strategies for Waste Fires in Handbook of Fire and the Environment: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-94356-1
The Norwegian info is based on work by RISE Fire Research in Norway:
The Swedish info is based on work by RISE in Sweden:
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
In this episode we talk with Jonathan Hodges of the Jensen Hughes on his experience with using advanced modelling in the realm of fire safety engineering. Jonathan sheds light on how the modelling is used at various Jensen Hughes offices around the world, highlighting interesting differences they see across their practice.
The core of the talk revolves around using CFD for modeling the consequences of fires, versus using it to assess the fire growth. While the first one is a commonly practiced in offices across the world, the growth part is kind of a challenge. We go into how CFD can help us develop better fire scenarios, and how they can be further improved through an influx of experimental data.
In the final part of the talk we are looking ahead, as we explore the transformative potential of AI-driven CFD surrogate modeling and GPU-based solvers, including the possibility conducting real-time CFD simulations without the prohibitive computational costs—this could soon be a reality.
As we discuss these innovations, it becomes clear how they could impact fire safety engineering globally, providing deeper insights into fire dynamics and more robust engineering solutions.
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
In the everchanging world every now and then we get a new driver, that dictates most of our choices. In the current built environment and building industry, carbon dioxide feels like such a driver. We don't like it, we want to get rid of it... One way is to sequester or store large amounts of CO2 in our buildings. Ways to do that - more obvious is mass timber, but thats not the only thing. Let's talk bio-based insulation.
In this episode I've invited Patrick Sudhoff, now from DBI but the research was carried at University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal. Patrick carried his PhD on the smouldering fires in bio-based insulation, and thus has built a good knowledge base around the topic. We discuss all the types of different bio-based insulations, what they are made of and where they are used. First we cover the drivers and need for the new material, as well as the benefits it brings to the table. We discuss the challanges with the onset of smouldering, transition to flaming and spread of fire through the structure.
List of projects that were related to the subject and discussed in the podcast:
Some literature I got from Patrick:
Further reading:
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The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.
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