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Re: High Temperature Accelerants (HTA)
Posted by:
SCarman (IP Logged)
Date: May 15, 2010 12:33PM
The sections in NFPA 921 dealing with the concept of High Temperature Accelerants are as follows:
22.2 Incendiary Fire Indicators. Mixtures of fuels and Class 3 or
Class 4 oxidizers (see NFPA 430, Code for the Storage of Liquid and
Solid Oxidizers) may produce an exceedingly hot fire and may
be used to start or accelerate a fire. Some of these oxidizers,
depending on various conditions, can self ignite and will cause
the same type of fire growth. Thermite mixtures also produce
exceedingly hot fires. Such accelerants generally leave residues
that may be visually or chemically identifiable. Presence
of remains from the oxidizers does not in itself constitute an
intentionally set fire. (See 5.7.4.1.5.)
22.2.4.1 Exotic accelerants have been hypothesized as having
been used to start or accelerate some rapidly growing fires and
were referred to in these particular instances as high temperature
accelerants (HTA). Indicators of exotic accelerants include
an exceedingly rapid rate of fire growth, brilliant flares (particularly
at the start of the fire), and melted steel or concrete.
A study of 25 fires suspected of being associated with HTAs
during the 1981–1991 period revealed that there was no conclusive
scientific proof of the use of such HTA.
22.2.4.2 In any fire where the rate of fire growth is considered
exceedingly rapid, other reasons for this should be considered
in addition to the use of an accelerant, exotic or otherwise.
These reasons include ventilation, fire suppression
tactics, and the type and configuration of the fuels.
A.22.2.4 See Carman, S. High Temperature Accelerants, A Study of
HTA Fires Reported in the United States and Canada Between January
1981 and August 1991. Sacramento, CA: U.S. Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, October 1994.