You are required to analyse the fire statistics as well as write a study report for a chosen fire protection/prevention issue in HKSAR

Assignment Brief

Assignment of FV1502 – Skills for Fire Studies

The assignment requires testing student’s ability to meet the learning outcomes and to demonstrate their capability in using the advanced features of the Microsoft Office and their understanding on the basic concepts and functions/advantages of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) associated software(s) in Fire Engineering.

Upon your completion of current assignment, it is an intent for you to be partially well equipped with relevant fundamental concepts/skill-set for statistical analysis, practical case study, report drafting & elementary fire engineering modelling concepts/functions/advantages for daily commercial conversancy and associated business affairs in future.

You are required to analyse the fire statistics as well as write a study report for a chosen fire protection/prevention issue in HKSAR, and write a separate essay to discuss your understanding on how we may make use of CFD associated software(s) under Fire Engineering discipline amid the design stage to reduce the possibility of fire occurrence in buildings

The Year 2018 Statistic Report associated fire statistics (Actual) from 2013 to 2017 including ““Classifications of Fires”, “Classifications of Fires by Causes”, “Occupancy where major fire occurred (No. 3 Alarm and above)”, "Classification of Special Service" and “Injuries and Fatalities” can be obtainable from the official website of Fire Services Department of the HKSAR. You are required to use statistical tool to cover the aforementioned five categories, predict the fire statistics for 2018, analyze the processed data, figure out potential issues and write the study report with recommendations accordingly.

The assignment shall be delivered as a portfolio containing the following four sections:

1. Data Collection & Collation, Statistical Analysis and Mathematical Manipulation You are required to produce a spreadsheet with graphical presentations to model the data and conduct relevant fundamental statistical analysis to cover means, median, mode, standard deviation and linear regression in Microsoft Excel.
2. Using Information & Communications Technology, Processing Text and Images, and Handling Citation You are required to write a study report of not less than 1,500 words in Microsoft Word where the auto table of contents, auto list of figures/tables, auto cross referencing, auto bibliography/citation, scientific equation editor etc. should be demonstrated. Statistical analysis shall be incorporated and presented in the study report to reflect the current situation in Hong Kong. Images and graphs can be include
3. Understanding on the basic concepts and functions/advantages of CFD associated software(s) in Fire Engineering
4. Information and Presentation

You are required to write a separate essay of not less than 500 words in Microsoft Word (where the auto table of contents, auto list of figures/tables, auto cross referencing, auto bibliography/citation, scientific equation editor etc. should be demonstrated as aforementioned similarly) to discuss your general understanding on how we may make use of CFD associated software(s)/ approach under Fire Engineering discipline amid the design stage to optimize mechanical/natural ventilation system design/predict smoke dispersion/design smoke control system, in terms of ambient conditions and architectural layout, reduce the possibility of fire occurrence in buildings, and formulate life safety strategies. Your discussion should qualitatively demonstrate your understanding on the basic concepts and functions/advantages over Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) or other software(s), as applicable, and include some preliminary and practical design considerations, as applicable. You are also required to provide two pieces of presentation materials in Microsoft Powerpoint format to cover your study report and essay, respectively.

Sample Answer

Study Report on Fire Statistics in Hong Kong (1,500+ words)

Title:

Analysis of Fire Statistics in HKSAR and Recommendations for Fire Prevention

Introduction

This report looks at fire statistics in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) between 2013 and 2017. The goal is to understand the types, causes, locations, and outcomes of fires, so that future fire risks can be reduced. By using basic statistical analysis, we can predict patterns and suggest improvements to fire safety in Hong Kong.

Fire Classifications

Between 2013 and 2017, most fires in HKSAR were minor. However, a number of serious fires (such as No. 3 alarm fires and above) also occurred. Fires were divided into three levels: small, serious, and major.
From the data, we observed the following trends:

• Minor fires remained consistent each year.

• Serious fires had a slight rise in 2016.

• The number of major fires (No. 3 alarm or above) slightly dropped by 2017.

Fire Causes

Common causes of fires included:

• Unattended cooking

• Electrical faults

• Careless smoking

• Arson

Statistical review showed that:

• Electrical faults were the leading cause in commercial buildings.

• In residential areas, cooking-related fires were most common.

• Arson cases were higher in abandoned buildings.

Locations of Major Fires

Major fires (No. 3 alarm or higher) occurred most often in:

• Industrial buildings

• Commercial complexes

• Old residential buildings without proper fire exits

This suggests a link between poor building maintenance and higher fire risk.

Special Service Classification

Apart from fire-fighting, the Fire Services Department (FSD) also responds to special services such as:

• Traffic accidents

• People trapped in lifts

• Water leakage incidents

These cases increased yearly, putting more pressure on FSD resources.

Injuries and Fatalities

Injuries and fatalities showed a downward trend, which may reflect improved public awareness and fire response systems. However, elderly people remained the most at-risk group, especially in home fires.

Prediction for 2018

Based on past data trends, fire cases in 2018 were expected to stay stable or slightly increase. Arson cases might decrease due to better surveillance. However, cooking and electrical fires were expected to remain the main challenges.

Issues Identified

• Outdated electrical systems in older buildings

• Lack of fire drills in residential estates

• Poor fire escape planning in industrial zones

• Lack of fire awareness in vulnerable groups