The Flashover Simulator provides the ability to show firefighters the development of a fire through flashover and to teach firefighters the warning signs of flashover, and ways they can survive an impending flashover.

What is meant by flash over?

A flashover is the near-simultaneous ignition of most of the directly exposed combustible material in an enclosed area. Flashover occurs when the majority of the exposed surfaces in a space are heated to their autoignition temperature and emit flammable gases (see also flash point).

How does a flashover simulator work?

A flashover simulator works like a split-level room, with an upper level for the flashover to occur and a lower level in which firefighters can observe the conditions of the upper level. They can observe the conditions of a flashover begin to develop, as “snaking” of flames begins to stream out into the smoke.

What’s the difference between backdraft and flashover?

A backdraft is an air-driven event, unlike a flashover, which is thermally driven. Backdraft is usually defined as a deflagration resulting from the sudden introduction of oxygen into a ventilation-limited space containing unburned fuel and gases.

What is the difference between backdraft and smoke explosion?

The smoke explosion is a separate phenomenon to backdraft which requires a change in the ventilation. For a backdraft to occur there must be a change in the ventilation such as a window breaking or a firefighter opening a door as they enter the compartment.

What happens during flashover?

Flashover is a thermally-driven event during which every combustible surface exposed to thermal radiation in a compartment or enclosed space rapidly and simultaneously ignites. Flashover normally occurs when the upper portion of the compartment reaches a temperature of approximately 1,100 °F for ordinary combustibles.

What are the signs of flashover?

Signs of room flashover include:

  • High heat conditions or flaming combustion overhead.
  • The existence of ghosting tongues of flame.
  • A lack of water droplets falling back to the floor following a short burst fog pattern being directed at the ceiling.

What is the temperature of a flashover?

approximately 1,100 °F
Flashover normally occurs when the upper portion of the compartment reaches a temperature of approximately 1,100 °F for ordinary combustibles.

Can a firefighter survive a flashover?

If a flashover occurs, those present in the room are unlikely to survive. Many of the firefighters who died in flashover were experienced firefighters. It is important to understand that no one can accurately predict 100% of the time when a flashover will occur, but knowing the warning signs can help.

How long does it take for a flashover to occur?

7-10 seconds
Multiple sources average your time for a flashover to be from 7-10 seconds. So the best-case scenario is you have 10 seconds to react and get to safety. This is usually about 5′ of distance for the average firefighter. The most common signs of a flashover are high heat and rollover.

Are backdrafts real?

A backdraft is caused by the sudden introduction of air into a fire that has depleted most of the available oxygen in a room or building. When a fire has depleted most of its oxygen, the flames will die down, but the fuel will still burn in a smoldering state and still generate heat, like with charcoal.