Modelling the dynamic behaviour of junction fires with a coupled atmosphere–fire model
C. M. Thomas A B D , J. J. Sharples A B and J. P. Evans C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, University of New South Wales Canberra, Campbell, ACT 2600, Australia.
B Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, Level 1, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Vic. 3002, Australia.
C Climate Change Research Centre, Level 4, Mathews Building, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: christopherthomas@cmt.id.au
International Journal of Wildland Fire 26(4) 331-344 https://doi.org/10.1071/WF16079
Submitted: 5 May 2016 Accepted: 27 February 2017 Published: 4 April 2017
Abstract
Dynamic fire behaviour involves rapid changes in fire behaviour without significant changes in ambient conditions, and can compromise firefighter and community safety. Dynamic fire behaviour cannot be captured using spatial implementations of empirical fire-spread models predicated on the assumption of an equilibrium, or quasi-steady, rate of spread. In this study, a coupled atmosphere–fire model is used to model the dynamic propagation of junction fires, i.e. when two firelines merge at an oblique angle. This involves very rapid initial rates of spread, even with no ambient wind. The simulations are in good qualitative agreement with a previous experimental study, and indicate that pyro-convective interaction between the fire and the atmosphere is the key mechanism driving the dynamic fire propagation. An examination of the vertical vorticity in the simulations, and its relationship to the fireline geometry, gives insight into this mechanism. Junction fires have been modelled previously using curvature-dependent rates of spread. In this study, however, although fireline geometry clearly influences rate of spread, no relationship is found between local fireline curvature and the simulated instantaneous local rate of spread. It is possible that such a relationship may be found at larger scales.
Additional keywords: dynamic fire behaviour, extreme fire behaviour, jump fires.
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