Fire Research Lab
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Fire Research Laboratory (FRL), completed in 2003, is the world’s largest research laboratory that is dedicated to fire scene investigations. FRL scientists utilize its unique structure and sophisticated instrumentation to investigate fire scene phenomena; conduct forensic fire science and engineering tests; and analyze fire growth and dynamics questions.
The FRL conducts investigations that involve fire scene reconstruction; flashover studies; electrical fire cause evaluation; and validation of fire pattern analysis indicators. It also participates in important investigations regarding the impact of accelerants on fire growth and spread, ignition studies and electrical fire cause analysis.
For additional resources: Fire Research Lab Publications
ATF Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) Analysis of 30 Dowling Circle
This video summarizes the ATF Fire Research Laboratory’s Engineering Analysis of the fire that occurred at 30 Dowling Circle on January 19th, 2011. ATF Fire Protection Engineers were asked to utilize engineering analysis methods, including computer fire modeling, to assist with determining the route of fire spread and the events that led to the firefighter MAYDAY and subsequent Line of Duty Death of Firefighter Mark Falkenhan.
ATF Fire Research Laboratory Gasoline Flame Jetting Videos
Test 8290 was conducted with 300 ml (10 ounces) of weathered gasoline in a new 2 gallon gasoline container. The container was positioned above a natural gas burner and poured without a nozzle in place. The gasoline was "weathered" or evaporated to 75% of its original mass.
Watch the videos on YouTube at the links below:
- ATF Fire Research Laboratory Flame Jetting, 2 Gallon Container, 300 ml gasoline, Front View
- ATF Fire Research Laboratory Flame Jetting, 2 Gallon Container, 300 ml gasoline, Close Up
- ATF Fire Research Laboratory Flame Jetting, 2 Gallon Container, 300 ml gasoline, High-Speed Camera
- ATF Fire Research Laboratory Flame Jetting, 2 Gallon Container, 300 ml gasoline, Overall
- ATF Fire Research Laboratory Flame Jetting, 2 Gallon Container, 300 ml gasoline, Wide Angle