Researchers at Underwriters Laboratories are setting fire to mock living rooms and bedrooms to help firefighters save lives.
The consumer product safety experts invited more than one hundred firefighters from across Illinois and the world to observe a firefighting demonstration at its Northbrook facility on Friday.
UL said modern homes burn hotter and faster than they did thirty and forty years ago and said firefighting tactics may need to be modified as a result. Researchers installed hundreds of sensors inside a home setting to measure wind speed and air flow. They also set up cameras to show how flames traveled from room to room. The project also monitored how a team of UL firefighters extinguished the flames. Pig skin was used to simulate how humans may be impacted by burns.
“We’re breaking down how they fight fires and trying to improve that so they can save more lives and protect themselves” said Steve Kerber, director of the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute.
Researchers will study data points and video before releasing its findings several months from now.
Steve Brisebois is a firefighter from Montreal who said the project offers a way for firefighters to see how fire and heat reacts with water.
“It’s the best way to have the best tactic,” Brisebois said. “I think everyone can learn about this project.”
