A BIM-based visualization and warning system for fire rescue

Structural fires are common disasters. In Taiwan, about 100 firefighters die during fire rescues each year, primarily because they are unaware of the causes of the fire and unfamiliar with the location’s environment. Meanwhile, evacuees often die in the panic of evacuation. To solve these problems, this research proposes a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based visualization and warning system for fire rescue. A fire dynamics simulator (FDS) simulates various conditions of structural fires in conjunction with the visualization and integration properties of BIM, and the simulation results for temperature, carbon monoxide, and visibility can be integrated and presented in the BIM model for briefing purposes before rescue operations begin. In addition, this research integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which allows real-time situation monitoring. In the event of a fire, the BIM model will immediately display the situation of the fire scene and control LED escape route pointers according to the actual situation. The primary objective of this system is to provide useful information to firefighters such that they can be aware of the fire’s environment and create an effective rescue plan. Moreover, the automated LED escape route pointer may assist the building’s occupants to escape, provide the firefighters with valuable information, and allow them quickly to discover hazards so that the number of casualties can be minimized.