Utilization of Calorimetric Analysis and Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to Determine the Cause of Plant Fire in Taiwan: Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and FDS Reconstruction

This study investigated a factory fire that resulted in an unusual situation that caused the deaths of two firefighters. The official fire investigation report was analyzed, records were obtained, and on-site investigations and interviews were conducted. Using these additional data and a calorimetric analysis to determine the combustibility of goods stored in the building at the time, a functional 3D model was produced, and a fire dynamics simulator (FDS) was run. The model was augmented using the results of calorimetric experiments for three types of primary goods being stored in the warehouse area: paper lunch boxes, tissue paper, and corrugated boxes. The reaction heat data obtained for each of the three sample types was 848.24, 468.29, and 301.21 J g−1, respectively. The maximum mass loss data were 98.522, 84.439, and 90.811 mass% for each of the three types, respectively. A full-scale fire scene reconstruction confirmed the fire propagation routes and changes in fire hazard factors, such as indoor temperature, visibility, and carbon monoxide concentration. The FDS results were compared to the NIST recommended values for firefighter heat exposure time. The cause of death for both firefighters was also investigated in terms of the heat resistance of the facepiece lenses of their self-contained breathing apparatus. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations can be made to forestall the recurrence of similar events.