SIK515 Wildfires and the Wildland Urban Interface

Contents and structure

It is evident from the many wildfires and wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires around the world that understanding these scenarios has become an integral part of engineering a fire-safe society. The course seeks to introduce and provide a thorough understanding of vegetation fires. The course concerns the wildfire phenomenon, including type of fuel, fuel conditions, fire behaviour in the wild, fire plume and flame spread by heat and ember transport. Further, other central topics are weather conditions, fire spread rates, and wildland-to-structure fire spread (and vice versa). Additionally, the course emphasises fire risk identification and risk-mitigating measures.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, the student has the following learning outcome:

Knowledge

The student…

• has knowledge of the characteristics of wildfires, including fire plumes and fire spread mechanisms
• can analyse and discuss the type of fuel and associated fire risk
• can analyse how weather, vegetation conditions, topography and settlements can influence on the possible fire scenarios and associated risks
• can describe the wildfire risk from a historical perspective, distinguishing between good and bad fires
• has knowledge of wildland-to-structure and structure-to-wildland fire spread
• can analyse the evacuation of settlements
• can discuss the general principle and validity of fire danger indices
• knows about fuel removal techniques such as mulching and prescribed burning
• knows about ancient land management techniques for productive and fire-safe landscapes
• knows about the likely influence of climate change and land management on future wildfire conditions

Skills

The student…

• can use hand calculations and computer-assisted tools to determine wildfire spread
• can develop strategies for controlling/extinguishing wildfires
• can develop strategies for wildfire and WUI risk mitigation
• can recommend risk-mitigating measures in the vicinity of homes
• can assess fuel moisture content (FMC) of thermally thin fuels, e.g., grass and twigs
• can use satellite imagery and computer-assisted tools to assess wildfire risk
• can evaluate potential ladder fuel and possible transition from ground fuel fires to fully developed canopy fires

General competence

The student…

• can work individually to gain new knowledge
• can make use of research to support findings and statements

Entry requirements

Successful completion of SIK508 Explosions and Industrial Fire Fire Safety and SIK509 Structural Fire Safety.

Teaching methods

Asynchronous/Synchronous digital lectures, herein, exercises, problem-based learning and demonstrations. Group Work and self-guidance are also used.

Compulsory learning activities

Selected activities will be announced.

Assessment

The assessment has to parts:

• Portfolio assessment, including 3 assignments, accounts for 50 % of the final mark
• Oral exam, 30 minutes, accounts for 50 % of the final mark.

The students must pass both parts to pass the course.

All assessments are performed in English.

Graded scale from A to E for pass, and F for fail.

Examination support material

Portfolio: All aids available

Oral exam: Personal notes

More about examination support material