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.

Normal fire (No VPC)

If the convective cap is moderate – broadly between 4°C and 6°C – the plumes of these fires mix out rapidly as they rise, do not couple with the air above, and do not form VPC. Cu clouds are often present but have no impact on fire dynamics

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