An end-to-end framework for fire following earthquake simulation at regional scale: A case study on the 2024 Japan Noto Peninsula earthquake

Abstract

Fire following earthquakes remains a significant and threatening hazard to communities in urban regions. Addressing this critical issue requires an effective simulation method that is suitable for widespread adoption. This paper presents a systematic end-to-end framework for simulating fire following earthquakes at a regional scale by integrating models and methods available in existing literature. Relevant theories and models are summarized and incorporated into the calculation workflow. The framework encompasses three key features: (1) GIS-based regional building data management, (2) physics-based fire simulation, and (3) high-fidelity visualization. The implementation of the framework is presented in a sequential and detailed manner, with a focus on its practicality and replicability. Each component of the workflow is designed to be adaptable, allowing for easy customization and improvement to accommodate unique site characteristics or the integration of new models through the introduction of sub-modules. To demonstrate the practicality of the proposed framework, a case study based on the recent 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan is presented. The simulation results correspond well with the observed actual damage at the fire following earthquake disaster site, with an accuracy of 87.8 %, which validates the framework's accuracy and reliability in simulating fire following earthquakes.