The Interaction of Multiple Fires in a Mine Drift – Effects Occurring Upstream of the Fires

Abstract The fire gas behaviour involving multiple fires in a mine drift with longitudinal ventilation was analysed, focusing on the phenomena occurring upstream of the fires. The analysis was based upon experimental data from model-scale fire experiments. Multiple fire source scenarios will for identical heat release rates result in higher upstream fire gas temperatures at the ceiling level and longer backlayering distances compared to a single fire source scenario. The explanation of the higher upstream fire gas temperatures can likely be found in the changed flame behaviour downstream of the multiple fire sources. Correlations for the upstream ceiling fire gas temperature - accounting for the conditions in a mine drift with multiple burning objects - were proposed. The results of the analysis will improve the understanding of, and the mitigation measures taken when facing multiple fire sources in a mine drift.