Introduction

This 5-day course provides a practical introduction to Fire Safety Engineering. Participants will delve into the fundamental physics of fire, exploring topics such as combustion processes, pyrolysis, heat transfer mechanisms and smoke spread dynamics. Through interactive lectures and practical examples, attendees will gain a solid understanding of how fires ignite, develop, and can be effectively managed.
The course also introduces essential modeling techniques like Zone Models and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), which are crucial tools for simulating fire behavior and designing safety systems. Participants will learn how to apply these models to real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to predict and mitigate fire risks.
The course also includes topics like evacuation strategies, human behavior in fire situations, and the design of safety systems that prioritize occupant safety.

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Name
Introduction to Fire Safety Engineering

The book “Introduction to Fire Safety Engineering” is included in the course.

Who Should Attend

The target audience includes fire safety consultants, prevention staff of fire departments or safety regions, fire investigators, building and housing inspectors, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Ideal participants are professionals with experience in fire safety regulations who wish to transition from a regulatory approach to a more performance-based and scientific methodology, as well as individuals who simply want to learn more about the performance-based approach.

Participants should have a foundational understanding of mathematics and physics equivalent to higher secondary education levels—such as A-levels in the UK, Abitur in Germany, or the Baccalauréat in France. This knowledge will enable them to grasp the scientific concepts covered in the course.

Please note that individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in fire safety engineering may find the course content too basic for their advanced level of expertise.

This course is set at the undergraduate level, offering foundational content and concepts suitable for this academic level.

Who Should Attend

The target audience includes fire safety consultants, prevention staff of fire departments or safety regions, fire investigators, building and housing inspectors, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Ideal participants are professionals with experience in fire safety regulations who wish to transition from a regulatory approach to a more performance-based and scientific methodology, as well as individuals who simply want to learn more about the performance-based approach.

Participants should have a foundational understanding of mathematics and physics equivalent to higher secondary education levels—such as A-levels in the UK, Abitur in Germany, or the Baccalauréat in France. This knowledge will enable them to grasp the scientific concepts covered in the course.

Please note that individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher in fire safety engineering may find the course content too basic for their advanced level of expertise.

This course is set at the undergraduate level, offering foundational content and concepts suitable for this academic level.

Practical information

Planning
  • Monday 16 November 2026

  • Tuesday 17 November 2026

  • Wednesday 18 November 2026

  • Thursday 19 November 2026

  • Friday 20 November 2026

Times: 09:00-16:00 CET

Fees: €2,495 excluding VAT, where applicable.

30% payment is due upon registration.

Venue

The course will take place at BCN Amsterdam

“Building Asia” – 5th floor
Hoogoorddreef 5
1101 BA Amsterdam
Netherlands

Instructor
Emiel van Rossum
Emiel van Rossum

Course Content

This 5-day introductory course includes a combination of theory lessons and assignments. The application assignments can be carried out individually or in groups. This way, you learn to translate theory into practice.

  • Introduction to Fire Safety Engineering and its relationship to prescriptive-based design.

  • The importance of ethics and integrity.
  • Explaining concepts such as:

    • Pyrolysis,
    • Flashover,
    • Backdraft,
    • Smoke Gas Explosion,
    • Fire development phases, and
    • fuel-controlled versus ventilation-controlled fires.
  • Calculating:

    • Relationship between heat release rate, energy, and time.
    • Relationship between heat release rate and heat release rate per unit area.
  • Applying t-squared heat release rate growth rates.

  • Heat transfer: conduction, radiation, and convection.

  • Smoke flow mechanisms, optical density of smoke, and thus visibility distance.

  • Understanding plume models (Thomas and Heskestad).

  • Modeling in Fire Safety Engineering: a superficial overview of CFD, zone models, and evacuation simulations.

  • Fire-Safe Construction Principles: firewalls, compartmentation, and firestopping.

  • Fire Protection Systems and Installations: sprinklers, fire detection, and smoke control.
  • Occupant Safety During Fire Events: ensuring safe evacuation.
Explanation of icons:
  • Exploratory: Focus on foundational theory.
  • Applied: Focus on practical skills.
  • Integrative: Combine theory and practice in broader contexts.

This course combines both theoretical understanding and practical application. Throughout the course, we will engage in a series of small exercises to apply the concepts learned, such as performing calculations related to heat transfer and understanding the interplay between energy, heat release rate, and time. These hands-on tasks are designed to reinforce the theory and help build practical skills in fire safety engineering.

Allocation of time across the following topics:

Overview Fire Safety
Physics related to fire
Chemistry related to fire
Smoke spread
Fire-Safe Construction
Fire Protection Installations
Occupant Safety

Optional evening program

On Thursday evening, we invite you to join our exclusive optional evening program, which offers a unique perspective on the historic heart of Amsterdam. You’ll embark on a guided boat tour along the city’s UNESCO-listed canal belt, where you can admire the beautifully preserved 17th-century gabled houses, charming bridges, and vibrant waterfront life. Throughout the cruise, a local guide will provide insights into Amsterdam’s rich history, architectural heritage, and cultural highlights.

During the tour, we will enjoy a dinner featuring a selection of quality dishes. We are attentive to all dietary requirements and will do our utmost to accommodate specific preferences or restrictions. The optional evening programme costs €195 per person, excluding VAT.

Please note that the program will only proceed if enough participants register. You will be asked to indicate your interest in this optional add-on during the registration process.

Why Choose This Course

Experience the benefits that make our course the ideal choice for advancing your fire safety expertise:

  • Expert Instruction: Learn from Emiel van Rossum, who has worked in fire safety since 2002 and has taught full-time since 2013. Sessions combine short explanations, calculations, case discussions and group assignments.

  • Comprehensive Course Materials: High-quality materials are included in the course price, including the book “Introduction to Fire Safety Engineering”.

  • Convenient Location: The course is held in Amsterdam, easily accessible with ample parking and located next to the train station. It’s also close to the airport and surrounded by numerous hotels, making it ideal for participants from abroad.

  • Certificate of Completion: Upon finishing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion to acknowledge your achievement.

  • Excellent Amenities: Enjoy refreshments throughout the course, including drinks, snacks, and an extensive warm lunch buffet.

  • Established Expertise: Fire Safety Academy, though a young company, is a spin-off from the Dutch Brandpreventie Academy, established in 2013, bringing years of experience and expertise to the course.