Last week, the Fire Safety Engineering team at Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) was conducting important research in Northbrook, Illinois. This study was part of a broader initiative funded by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The goal of the project was to evaluate current fire service ventilation practices and how they interact with the evolving design of modern homes.
Over the past few decades, residential buildings have undergone significant changes in layout, materials, and construction methods. These changes have led to shifts in fire behavior, which can impact firefighter safety. In response, UL conducted a series of controlled experiments to better understand these dynamics and develop effective ventilation strategies that can help reduce risks to firefighters.
Two full-scale test homes were built inside UL’s large fire testing facility in Northbrook. These structures were designed to represent both traditional and contemporary home designs, allowing researchers to compare fire behavior under different conditions. The data collected from these tests is crucial for updating firefighting techniques and ensuring that emergency responders are equipped with the best possible tools and knowledge.
Tim Olk was on site during some of the live burns and captured several compelling images. He documented the process from multiple angles, showing everything from the setup of the test structures to firefighters actively engaging in the experiments. His photos provide a unique visual perspective on this important research.
A summary of the testing and the full report are available [here](#). For more photos from the event, you can view Tim’s collection [here](#). This ongoing work highlights the critical role of research in improving fire safety and protecting those who serve on the front lines.
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