Why Have a Live Burn?

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

This is a broken CSST flexible gas line that ignited gas and released a jet of fire.

Four large boxes were constructed this month by our SERVPRO team with drywall to simulate an actual room. Recently, the Ankeny Fire Department, EFI Global and our SERVPRO of Ottumwa/Oskaloosa franchise helped set up a live burn for insurance adjusters and risk managers to help them gain knowledge to make informed decisions when processing claims. Adjustors learned the details of how fires erupt from separate structural materials, analyzing the speed of fire scenarios. Donated furniture was used to show how different fire scenarios can alter a home. A broken CSST flexible gas line which is utilized to run gas to appliances helped create one of the potential house fires. The situation brought about a non-grounded line that developed a pin hole from an electricity arc and leaked out gas, hence, igniting the gas and creating a stream of fire. The fire department also demonstrated how quickly fires with pieces of furniture close in proximity in a corner erupt. Overall, Live burns are essential for adjustors so they know the effects of soot and smoke throughout the environment. To learn more, read our blog on the top 10 causes of house fires to learn how to protect your home.