Full-scale fire experiment using the old living but built in 1969 at Syowa Station, Antarctica and application of micro-fog fire extinguishing equipment

Abstract

Some buildings have been brought back from Syowa Station in Antarctica after 30 years of use. One was used to investigate the combustion properties of the fire retarded plywood which was used in the walls. Full-scale fire behavior/extinguishing tests were carried out using the compartment and a mockup lounge model for the study of application of water mist extinguishing equipment. A three-layer glazed window is effective to delay the time required for the glazing to be penetrated. The properties of the fire rated plywood have been kept without deterioration for 30 years. Application of water mist extinguishing equipment has turned out to be effective. The burning/extinguishing tests using the mockup full-scale compartment have shown that 0.36 l/min.m3 of water supply to the water mist equipment is sufficient for effective extinguishing. Water mist is suggested as a chemical fire extinguishing agent for use in Antarctica where chemicals must not be kept.