Kingfell Consulting - Fire & Evacuation Modelling

Kingfell have extensive experience in designing cost effective bespoke fire safety systems within all building and occupancy types. With the development of complex building design, the use of fire and evacuation modelling has become increasingly important to establish a cost effective fire strategy that will comply with fire safety legislation and meet the client’s design aspirations.

We engage all relevant stakeholders at the start of a project and agree the acceptance criteria to be modelled for both fire and evacuation simulations. Our technical reports are written to assist designers and enable them to deliver an optimum design to be presented to the regulatory authorities for approval.

Q: When would you use an evacuation model?
A: On smaller projects we often use an evacuation model to assist with demonstrating any variance from a standard code compliant design solution is acceptable. On complex projects we recommend a model is utilised to ensure that safe means of escape are correctly designed and can safely accommodate the occupants of the building for various scenarios.

Q: Do you provide evacuation models for buildings only?
A: No – we can provide models for ships, aircraft, stadia, railway stations, airports and have even modelled a large heritage site consisting of 100+ buildings to ensure that the whole site could be safely evacuated in accordance with its master evacuation plan. The models can be used as a training aid for complex evacuation scenarios.

Q: What is a fire model?
A: A fire model is a complex process but in simple terms it allows are fire engineers to determine how a fire and smoke may develop and spread within a specific building. The model can be used to determine if escape routes can be safely used and what protection measures are required - for example smoke control - to ensure the occupants can safely leave the building.

Q: Do you always provide a fire and evacuation model for a project?
A: No – often we are only required to provide either a fire model or an evacuation model; however we can combine both models to give a clearer understanding of the interaction between the developing fire and the building evacuation.