The growing threat of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fires demands a holistic strategy to protect communities located at the dangerous juncture of wilderness areas and urban developments. This project outlines the development and implementation of a standardized tiered fire shelter system specifically designed to bolster WUI community resilience during wildfire events. This innovative system categorizes fire shelters into three distinct types, each meticulously tailored to address the specific needs of varying occupancy durations and operational requirements within WUI zones.
The research introduces a tiered system for fire exposure scenarios, incorporating integrated evacuation and shelter-in-place strategies, as advocated by the national USFA/NIST-led evacuation messaging standardization campaign. Tier-1 shelters are designed to provide essential fire protection for brief refuge. Tier-2 shelters are built to support long-term habitability, safeguarding critical infrastructure during extended fire events. Tier-3 shelters are equipped for prolonged occupancy and include advanced features that minimize disruptions and facilitate a coordinated response to wildfires.
This work integrates Hazard Mitigation Methodology (HMM) and Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) principles to balance exposure management and structural hardening. This approach results in a fire shelter and parcel design aimed at controlling fire exposures. At the heart of this standardized, high-performance system is the detailed development of precise specifications for each type of shelter. These specifications cover an extensive array of considerations: from HMM and the use of advanced fire-resistant materials for structural hardening against severe heat and embers, to the implementation of ventilation systems that ensure air quality. Also included are power and water supplies that support prolonged stays, waste management sanitation systems, and accessibility options for individuals with disabilities. Such thorough attention to detail ensures uniform fire protection capabilities throughout the WUI, enhancing public trust and enabling communities to make well-informed decisions about fire safety measures.
The effective deployment of this standardized system requires a collaborative approach, drawing on the expertise of diverse stakeholders. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) contributes its cutting-edge computational resources, including a high-performance computing cluster, to support essential numerical simulations utilizing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS). These simulations are pivotal for modeling fire behavior and heat transfer within shelters, thereby guiding the refinement of design specifications for each shelter category. Additionally, WPI’s forthcoming partnership with CAL-FIRE in subsequent project phases promises to enhance the development of more sophisticated and rigorous experimental designs. This cooperative endeavor, bolstered by WPI’s participation, is set to lay the groundwork for establishing a well-tested and reliable fire shelter standard.
The proposed standardized, tiered fire shelter system introduces a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond mere physical safeguards. This approach marks a transformative shift in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fire preparedness, enhancing public trust through uniform fire protection levels, preserving critical infrastructure via long-term habitability solutions, and strengthening collaborative initiatives to boost the resilience of WUI communities. The broad impact of this initiative could profoundly enhance the well-being and economic stability of those living in WUI zones, thereby cultivating a safer and more secure future for these areas.
