Tunnel fires pose a particular challenge for the fire department due to their special conditions. The restricted visibility due to smoke and the limited escape routes increase the risk for everyone involved.
In this context, fast and effective firefighting is becoming increasingly important. The aim of this blog post is to investigate the effectiveness of fire blankets in isolating a vehicle fire in a tunnel and minimizing smoke development.
Methodology
Location of the practice and its special features
The exercise took place at ‘Zentrum am Berg’ of Montanuniversität Leoben, a research infrastructure that is unique in Europe. The facility features a road tunnel and railroad tunnel on a 1:1 scale, which provided realistic conditions for the exercise.
Participant
Members of the Innsbruck fire department and the Tyrol State Fire Brigade School, with their extensive expertise, took the opportunity to examine efficiency and safety in dealing with potential fire hazards in tunnels in a realistic scenario.
Tools and materials used
Two different types of fire blankets were used for the exercise: VLITEX Premiummade of silicone-coated glass fiber fabric, and VLITEX Superiorthe ceiling made of silica with a vermiculite coating.
Carrying out the exercise
Car extinguishing exercise procedure
A vehicle was set on fire in the tunnel and about 10 minutes were waited until a full fire was reached. The VLITEX Superior blanket was then placed over the burning vehicle to observe the smoke development and the fire. After about 5 minutes, the silica blanket was removed and the vehicle was set on fire again. This time the VLITEX Premium blanketvwas used to compare the effects on smoke and fire.
Chronological sequence of events
- The vehicle was set alight in the tunnel.
- After approx. 10 minutes, the silica blanket was placed over the object.
- Smoke development and fire were observed for approx. 5 minutes.
- The silica blanket was removed and the car was set on fire again.
- The premium blanket was placed over the burning car and the effects observed.
Observations and results
Effectiveness of the two fire protection blankets
Both blankets were effective in fighting the fire. Compared to the silica blanket, the VLITEX Premium showed a significantly faster reduction in smoke development. It was also possible to smother fires much more quickly with the silicone-coated blanket than with the silica blanket.
These observations are due to the denser structure of the silicone-coated blanket.
Measurement data and other quantifiable results
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Analysis
Comparison of the two blankets
The VLITEX Premium blanket showed a faster reduction in smoke development compared to the VLITEX Superior ceiling. This could be due to the denser structure created by the silicone coating, which increases the ceiling’s effectiveness in minimizing smoke.
Significance of the results for practice
The rapid reduction of smoke development is particularly important in tunnel fires, where every second counts. The results of the exercise could help to optimize firefighting strategies in tunnels.
Environmental friendliness of fire protection blankets
The use of fire blankets minimizes the environmental impact as fewer conventional extinguishing agents are required. This reduces the amount of contaminated water and the uncontrolled distribution of fire residues in the surrounding area.
Conclusions and recommendations
Summary of the most important findings
The exercise showed that fire blankets can be an effective and environmentally friendly means of fighting tunnel fires. The VLITEX Premium blanket in particular showed a faster reduction in smoke development and containment of the burning car.
Recommendations for use in practice
In view of the convincing results of the exercise, it makes sense to see fire blankets as an integral part of the equipment for firefighting in tunnels. Their advantages in terms of effectiveness and environmental friendliness make them an indispensable addition to firefighting teams.
Target group and relevance
This blog post is aimed in particular at firefighters and other professionals in the field of firefighting. The findings presented provide valuable information for optimizing deployment strategies not only in tunnel fires, but also in other confined spaces such as production halls, warehouses and parking garages.
The advantages of fire blankets in terms of effectiveness and environmental friendliness make them an important addition to the equipment.
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