Flashover

A series of fire tests were conducted to characterize the potential hazard from ignition of Scotch Pine Christmas trees. Heat release rate was measured as a function of time from ignition using a large calorimeter. In addition, radiative flux and total heat flux were measured at a location 2 m from the tree centerline. Seven of the trees were allowed to dry for approximately three weeks. These trees burned easily when ignited with an electric match. An eighth tree, freshly cut and kept in water until just before testing, could not be ignited.

The photos above show flashovers from NIST experiments both in the laboratory and in the field.

Video

This video series contains video of the Dry Scotch Pine Tree test, a Sofa/Living Room test, and an Open Floor Plan Office Workstation Test.

Flashover.mpg, 413.5MB

Reports

REPORT OF TEST, FR 4010, December 1, 1999
Scotch Pine Christmas Tree Fire Tests
D.W. Stroup, L. DeLauter, J. Lee and G. Roadarmel

Estimating Temperatures in Compartment Fires
Walton, W. D.; Thomas, P. H.
Chapter 6; Section 3; NFPA HFPE-02; SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering. 3rd Edition/171-188 p., 2002

Santa Ana Fire Department Experiments at South Bristol Street
Putorti, A. D., Jr.; Walton, W. D.; Twilley, W. H.; Deal, S.; Albers, J. C.
FR 3995; 21 p. August 31, 1994
Fire Technology, Vol. 31, No. 1, 62-76, First Quarter 1995