Bangkok: Experts have found that ceiling insulation foam may be the primary fuel source for fires. The head of the fire protection engineering branch revealed that thermal insulation foam above the ceiling may have been the primary fuel source, causing the accumulation of gas and heat before erupting into a violent flame.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Busakorn Saensuk, Chair of the Fire Protection Engineering Branch under the Engineering Institute of Thailand under the Royal Patronage (EIT), revealed the initial investigation results. She stated that from the first day of site visits, the engineering team observed that the fire spread rapidly and involved a large amount of fuel. They then began investigating the source of the fuel within the building. Initially, they suspected the fire originated in the ceiling, possibly from soundproofing panels or decorative materials. However, upon closer examination, they found these panels were not excessively thick or numerous. They discovered that above the ceiling, which housed a steel structure, approximately 3 inches of sprayed thermal insulation foam was present. Upon removing the ceiling panels, they found a widespread combustion inside, leading to a buildup of heat and pressure, igniting the fuel. This resulted in the accumulation of combustion gases within the building, cons istent with the accounts of several injured individuals who reported a pungent, irritating smell. The most severely damaged area was the stage area. When the fire started and the doors were opened, outside air rapidly entered the building, providing oxygen to the accumulated fuel gases and causing immediate combustion, resulting in a violent burst of flames.
Ms. Busakorn stated that whether the foam coating meets standards depends on the examination of the flammability pattern. She noted that most areas of the shop had a foam layer approximately 2 inches thick, but the stage and bar area had a layer of approximately 3 inches, covering both the top and bottom surfaces.
Regarding the addition of flame retardants to the foam, while they help delay ignition to a temperature specified in the test, if a fire occurs at a temperature higher than that, the foam can still ignite and become fuel.
We would also like to warn business owners that our climate is quite hot, and spraying foam poses a fire risk. Electrical systems must also be considered. Whenever there is a low ceiling and a fire is ignited in the ceiling, heat radiation will spread much faster, and the fire will spread more quickly. Buildings with this type of structure and a large amount of flammable material should have standard smoke ventilation systems or exhaust fans installed to help reduce smoke and heat buildup, increase the chances of evacuation for those inside, and minimize the impact on the building's structure, preventing collapse.