Thatch Fires

We welcome all members & guests to attend a lunch time seminar which will be presented by Keith Benjamin from Burgoynes.

Overview

This presentation will provide a review of fires involving thatched properties, with particular reference to fires resulting from the use of solid fuel stoves and open fires. We will be making reference to recent research with large scale testing using chimneys and stoves undertaken by the Fire Protection Association (FPA).

The presentation will also discuss the spread and extinguishment of thatch fires and the effects of fire resisting construction. It will be illustrated with photographs from investigations undertaken by Burgoynes.

Learning Objectives

By attending this event, delegates will be able to describe:

• An appreciation of the causes of fires involving thatched roofs based on large scale testing.
• Available methods for attempting to reduce the impact of thatch fires.
• How thatch fires spread and the difficulties experienced by Fire Brigades.
• General interest case studies.

About the speaker

Before joining Burgoynes, Keith spent 16 years with the Government Forensic Science Service working on criminal casework for the police and Crown Prosecution Service. He joined Burgoynes in 1997 and became a Partner in 2003.

Keith has investigated incidents in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Asia and, as a consequence, has given evidence in criminal and civil courts. He has carried out both land-based and marine investigations. He has also given advice and supervised the extinguishing of fires in cargo vessels. Keith has also carried out a study into the causes of thatch fires.

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