Experimental investigations under controlled conditions on materials taken from the fire scene

National Institute for Research and Development for Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion INSEMEX Petrosani, 32-34 G-ral Vasile Milea Street, Petrosani, Romania

^* Corresponding author: irina.nalboc@insemex.ro

Abstract

Fires are complex chemical reactions involving rapid oxidation that release heat, light, and various combustion by-products such as smoke and toxic gases. They can occur in a wide range of environments—from urban buildings and residential areas to industrial facilities and natural landscapes. The destructive impact of fire is influenced by multiple factors, including the type and quantity of combustible materials, the availability of oxygen, ventilation conditions, and the response time of firefighting efforts. In addition to causing significant human casualties and property loss, fires can have long-term environmental consequences, such as air and water pollution and ecosystem disruption. This type of research aims to understand how different materials behave when exposed to fire, how fire propagates, and what residues or patterns are left behind. The ultimate goal is to provide scientific data that can assist fire investigators in determining the origin, cause, and circumstances of real-world fires. Fires can cause significant changes to materials, altering their physical, chemical, and structural properties. Investigating these materials under controlled laboratory conditions allows researchers to better understand fire dynamics, assess the extent of damage, and determine potential causes of ignition or failure. In this paper, experiments were conducted to evaluate the vertical ignition of materials removed from the fire scene (polystyrene and polyurethane foam) and their fire propagation capacity. The data obtained from these experiments can inform future research directions, improve fire prevention strategies, and support the development of more fire-resilient materials- ultimately enhancing public safety and reducing fire-related risks.