Modelling the probability of smouldering ignition of vegetation from hot metal particles ejected by power lines
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Javaloyes, Auriane
Castagna, Alexander
Kalogeropoulos, Nikolaos
Rein, Guillermo
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Power line failures can cause wildfires, particularly in regions like California, Australia, and Portugal. High-wind conditions can lead to the clash of power line conductors, ejecting metal particles that can ignite nearby vegetation. While ignition by particles has been the focus of experiments before, its modelling remains understudied. This paper presents a model to predict ignition by particles, focusing on smouldering as the critical stage before flaming. Particle trajectory and cooling in flight are simulated stochastically using Newtonian equations, while ignition of vegetation is modelled through a pseudo-one-dimensional thermochemical model with Gpyro. Using weather and fuel data from California as a case study, results show that for wind speeds up to 20 m/s, Aluminium particles with a diameter of at least 6.5 mm, ejected from a 20 m high power line, land at temperatures above 740 °C and can ignite grass and shrub fuel beds, creating an at-risk zone of 274 m
around the conductor clash point, extending up to 52 m from the power line. Fuel moisture is the primary factor influencing ignition, followed by particle size. This modelling study contributes to close the gap in modelling ignition by particles and offers insights for mitigating wildfire hazards from power lines.
around the conductor clash point, extending up to 52 m from the power line. Fuel moisture is the primary factor influencing ignition, followed by particle size. This modelling study contributes to close the gap in modelling ignition by particles and offers insights for mitigating wildfire hazards from power lines.
Date Issued
2025-12-01
Date Acceptance
2025-09-05
Citation
Fire Safety Journal, 2025, 158
ISSN
0379-7112
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
Fire Safety Journal
Volume
158
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
104537
Date Publish Online
2025-10-01