Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

A reflection and a projection of views are presented on the general state of fire research and its relationship to design, investigation, and education. The field of fire science is a relatively new discipline and its scope is likely to expand, and its impact is likely to be felt more significantly in the new 21st century. Examples are given to suggest the trends taking place in education, fire investigation, and fire safety design methodology for regulation. The significant scientific and societal obstacles to advancing fire science will be discussed. As an indication of educational progress, examples of the author's research with his master of science students will be presented. This includes models for the prediction of burning rate, flame spread and fire growth in rooms, and fire plume characteristics.