ABSTRACT

This study takes the severe fire incident at the affiliated nursing home of the Beimen Branch of Sinying Hospital in Taiwan. Polyurethane mattresses (including foam and cover) were collected as samples for calorimetric analysis experiments at a heating rate of 2 ℃ per minute. The experiments revealed maximum heat release rates of 1,692 (J/g) and 7,498 (J/g) for the samples within the temperature range from 100 ℃ to 600 ℃. Using the latest version, 6.8.0, of the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) code to reconstruct the fire scene, we found that smoke spread downward through the ceiling to space above the ground. Within approximately 274 seconds after fire ignition, visibility had decreased to less than 10 meters. This study divided the area into four zones based on evacuation routes and disaster response pathways (Route 1: Wards, Route 2: out-patient clinics, Route 3: Nursing Home, Route 4: Nursing Home and Offices). The most casualties occurred in Route 3, where carbon monoxide concentration reached 1,400 ppm at 351 seconds and rapidly increased to 7,000 ppm. Additionally, carbon dioxide concentration exceeded 5 % within 616 seconds, while oxygen levels dropped to below 12 % around 516 seconds. These results are consistent with the findings of the official Fire Cause Investigation Report. Therefore, based on our numerical simulations and findings from other literature studies, it is recommended that all existing legal buildings not only review their fire evacuation facilities and firefighting equipment but also ensure that the mattresses used in facilities meet or exceed fire safety standards.

Keywords：Nursing home, Polyurethane mattresses, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), Evacuating vulnerable people, Calorimetric analysis.