SwRI: Fire Technology Department began fire testing activities in 1952. We participated in many interesting programs, including the development of the fire extinguisher currently used by the NASA space program.

"Fire destroys falsehood, that is sophistry, and restores truth, driving out darkness."—Leonardo Da Vinci

One of the largest, most experienced fire research laboratories in the United States is located at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). The dedicated research of the SwRI Fire Technology Department has contributed to the development of its worldwide reputation as a center of excellence for fire research and testing. We provide high-quality and timely services to evaluate and mitigate fire- and explosion-related hazards for our clients.
 

Observation of a propane flare during controlled relief of a burned propane tank

Fire Technology Services

The multidisciplinary approach of SwRI fire technology to study and understand fire technology includes:

	Cone Calorimeter

• Standard and nonstandard testing

• Detection and suppression

• Testing for code compliance

• Testing for nuclear compliance

• Modeling

• Combustion flammability

• Development of new test methodologies

• Engineering and design services

• Third-party certification

• Product and process evaluation

• Laboratory-scale incineration

• Pool and propellant fires

• Jet fire impingement

• Smoke characterization and toxicity studies

• Risk and hazard assessment

• Vulnerability and survivability

• Energy studies

View SwRI Fire Technology Department's Dynamics of Fire streaming video (Approx. 17 minutes. Requires Windows Media® Player 6.4+ for PC or 7.01+ for Macintosh)

For more information about fire technology services and capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please call (210) 522-2311 or e-mail fire-info@swri.org.