HIGHFIRE RISK PROJECT

A CLASSIFICATION OF VIOLENT PYRO-CONVECTION

PREAMBLE

This is a description of a particular type of Violent Pyro-Convection. A full methodology for their classification, and a listing all of the types can be found here.

Type S3. Smoke shield with towering pyroCu

If the profile has a strong convective cap, between roughly 6° to 8°C, then persistent towering pyroCu are likely to be present. The plume cannot pass the cap, except in its core which pushes past, forming a towering pyroCu. Once initial upward momentum and the effects of latent heat of condensation dissipate this persists for some time. The rest of the plume also spreads out sideways as it advects away from the fire. There can be some immediate downwash of large aerosol.




INDEX TO TYPES

Type S1: Smoke shield
Type S2: Smoke shield with rebound
Type S3: Smoke shield with towering pyroCb
Type U1: Sub_UTLS event
Type U2: PyroCb
Type U3: Pyro-puff (towering pyroCu)
Type U4: Fire enhanced ambient Cb event
Non-VPC fire