A Spatial–Temporal Stochastic Simulation of Fire Outbreaks Following Earthquake Based on GIS

Material Information

Title:
A Spatial–Temporal Stochastic Simulation of Fire Outbreaks Following Earthquake Based on GIS
Series Title:
Journal of Fire Sciences. Vol 24. no. 4 313-339
Creator:
Zhao, S. J.
Xiong, L. Y.
Ren, A. Z.
Disaster Risk Reduction Program, Florida International University (DRR/FIU) ( summary contributor )
Publisher:
SAGE Journals
Publication Date:
Copyright Date:
2006
Language:
English
Physical Description:
Journal article

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Regression analysis ( lcshac )
Weibull distribution ( lcshac )
Natural hazards and disasters -- Earthquakes ( lcshac )
Fire -- Simulation ( lcshac )
Genre:
non-fiction ( marcgt )

Notes

Summary:
This document examines the secondary disasters often caused by earthquakes, focusing particularly on the fires resulting from the Hanshin earthquake that shook Japan in 1995. While flooding and landslides have received much attention in the wake of the 2010 earthquakes that affected Latin America and the Caribbean, secondary fires caused by earthquakes wreak havoc that cannot be ignored. The authors note that fires have spatial and temporal signatures distinct from that of other catastrophes. To that end, they have developed a GIS model using regression analysis. The model developed is based on data compiled from previous earthquake-induced fires in the United States, Japan, and China, and is intended to be used as a predictive tool to facilitate risk mitigation through improved preparation and urban planning. This document is intended for professionals throughout the scientific community. The regression equations are provided and discussed in depth, such as the logarithmic relationship between the rate of fire outbreaks per house and the rate of building collapse. The authors also address the many variables upon which this equation is dependent, such as building density and the presence of underground gas lines. Temporal behavior is incorporated using the Weibull distribution model, which the authors explain in depth as well. The paper concludes with a case study of Xiamen, a coastal city in China that is densely populated and subject to multiple natural hazards. Maps of fire outbreak concentrations and graphs depicting outbreak frequency in hours following the earthquake are included in the study results.
Subject:
GIS ( English )
Citation/Reference:
Zhao, S.J., Xiong, L.Y., Ren, A.Z. (2006). A spatial–temporal stochastic simulation of fire outbreaks following earthquake based on GIS. Journal of Fire Sciences, Volume 24.

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
Rights Management:
Refer to main document/publisher for use rights.
Resource Identifier:
FI13042451

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Aggregations:
Disaster Risk Reduction