1. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Fires in Human Settlements Presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Housing Presented By Kim Yates CSIR Boutek 19-20 April 2005

2. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Our role: The objects of the CSIR are, –through directed and particularly multi- disciplinary research and technological innovation, –to foster, in the national interest …., industrial and scientific development …, –to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people of the Republic…..

3. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Forensic Fire Investigation Core business is the origin and cause determination of building, vehicle and wildland fires. Working relationships with many of the major stakeholders including FPASA, International Association of Arson Investigators, PASASA, Working on Fire, Insurance Industry etc.

4. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Formal Housing Fire Safety is regulated by existing codes (SABS 0400 Part T) Monetary loss is more extensive per individual unit, but fire spread to other dwellings is usually very limited.

5. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Formal Housing According to FPASA’s 2003 Statistics there were: –3173 fires –Loss R195 Million –73 Deaths

6. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Fires in Informal Settlements Affects more people. Consequences are huge. Fires are often highly publicized. Need for solution has been recognized e.g. PASASA competition to develop a safer paraffin stove. Must be seen as a priority.

7. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Statistics According to FPASA’s 2003 Statistics there were: –3562 fires in informal dwellings –Monetary loss of approximately R31 Million –192 Deaths

8. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Summary Statistics 3562 3173

9. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Summary Statistics 31 195

10. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Summary Statistics 192 73

11. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Human Settlement Planning & Design

12. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Defining the Problem Fires in Informal Settlements There will always be fires, but better solutions must be found. As with any scientific process, the problem must be properly defined through research before solutions can be proposed. Only limited research available that defines the South African fire problem in informal settlements. There are no quick solutions.

13. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Key Issues –What are the major causes of these fires? –What are the contributory factors that: –Influence rapid fire growth within individual structures (type of fuel, geometry of fuel, ventilation etc) –Influence fire spread between occupancies (design materials, planning, geographical and climatic influences, regulations, fire suppression etc) –Socio-Economic Factors –Regional Influences (Geographical / Climatic) Defining the Problem Fires in Informal Settlements

14. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Addressing the Problem Once the problem has been defined through research we will be in a position to implement strategies to mitigate, minimize and manage the problem i.e. the loss of life and property caused by fire: –Cost effective –Socially acceptable

15. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Addressing the Problem Approach must be multi-disciplinary: –fire scientists –material scientists –civil engineers –town and regional planners –fire brigade –civic society –regulators –etc.

16. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Addressing the Problem Strategies developed within the South African context may also serve as solutions for other countries with similar problems within informal settlements.

17. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Summary Fires in informal settlements are devastating events. Better approaches can be found. Define the problem through proper research. Manage the problem holistically and with multi-disciplinary and integrated input.

18. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Summary There is also core competence at CSIR Boutek available to address the issues and problems surrounding flooding in human settlements.

19. Supporting the Manufacturing and Materials Industry in its quest for global competitiveness Design Flexibility Presentation Contact Details Kim Yates PO Box 395 Pretoria 0001 Email: kyates@csir.co.za Fax: 012 8412881 Tel: 012 8414216 Cell: 0828929355