Fire load survey in multi-storey wholesale premise – a case study

Abstract

A combustible material is one of fire hazard where the amount of combustible materials or
fire load could affect the heat release and fire severity in enclosure. The fire severity in the context of
fire load is related to intensity and duration of fire in enclosure. Fire load survey is conducted in this
study to estimate the amount of combustible materials in wholesale premise since it become threat to
life safety and property loss. The determinations of fire load in 3-storey wholesale premise in Kuantan
city is conducted by using combination fire load survey method; weighing and inventory method.
Result from fire load survey can help to determine the sufficient requirements of fire suppression in
premise as well as fire fighters intervention strategy. An extension of this study, the data could be
used as an important input to design fire for deterministic analysis in fire risk assessment to quantify
the level of fire risk towards life, property and environment.