Wind and Vehicle Attitude

Other factors must be considered in the interpretation of fire patterns. Fire generally burns upward but wind can alter the fire pattern significantly. The windward side of a vehicle can be nearly devoid of damage, while the lee side may be completely burned, regardless of the origin. If a vehicle is tilted or on its side or roof during the fire, fire patterns will generally reflect this. As with structural fires, molten or burning material, such as in the interior of a vehicle can drop down and propagate fire to lower parts of the interior.

Toyota Previa, showing extensive burn from a pool fire caused by a ruptured fuel tank. Though rupture was actually on the passenger side, fire was hotter on the driver side because of prevailing winds from the direction of the passenger side. To see a case study of this vehicle, click here.

Plymouth Sundance collision fire, showing burn pattern that occurred while vehicle was inverted. Paint remains on the hood and roof where the vehicle rested on the ground.

Sundance fire pattern shows greatest heat low on the car and near the rear. It was this part of the vehicle that was highest while it burned in the inverted position.