A Protection for LPG Domestic Cylinders at Wildland-Urban Interface Fire

Wildland fires are frequent events worldwide, particularly in the European-Mediterranean region, USA, and Australia. These fires have been more frequent and intense in recent years due to climate changes and may cause significant damage, especially when reaching the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. The presence of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders may cause severe events in WUI areas, as occurred in Portugal during the large wildfires of 2017, which could have been avoided if the cylinders were protected. Devices for protecting the parts of houses under WUI fire were previously presented, but a protective device for cylinders was not. In this work, a protective device for LPG cylinders made with a thin fabric with an aluminum coating on the external face was tested in laboratory and field conditions. The cylinder and the fabric were equipped with thermocouples and heat flux sensors attached to their surfaces. The tests showed that the device gave effective protection to the cylinder, decreasing the radiative heat flux that reaches it and keeping it in a safe condition when exposed to a fire; consequently preventing extreme behavior such as an explosion.

Automated summary

Wildland fires are common around the world, especially in the European-Mediterranean region, USA, and Australia. Climate changes have led to increased frequency and intensity of these fires, particularly in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. A protective device for LPG cylinders made of a thin fabric with an aluminum coating was tested and shown to effectively protect the cylinders from fire, preventing extreme events such as explosions.