P53 Smoke plume and gas cloud forecasting for emergency services

Zelle, Hein BMT ARGOSS

BMT ARGOSS has developed a smoke plume and gas cloud forecasting service for emergency services. The service is primarily intended for fire brigades, but other emergency workers and planners can use of it for training purposes and the creation of evacuation and safety plans.

The service is based on an operational WRF configuration, producing 4-times daily forecasts. The Calpuff model is used as a chemistry-transport model for plumes and gas clouds.

The service was developed in close cooperation with several fire departments in the Netherlands. Currently the service is being introduced into operational use, and market introduction for the chemical industry and oil and gas industry has started.