A specialised meeting of instruments and devices designed to measure the out there water quantity and strain from a hearth hydrant. This tools sometimes features a pitot gauge, hydrant cap with a strain port, and numerous adapters to connect with totally different hydrant sizes. For example, a municipal water division may use this setup to find out if a specific hydrant can provide the required movement for a proposed constructing’s fireplace suppression system.
The evaluation supplied by this tools is essential for guaranteeing sufficient fireplace safety in a given space. It helps water authorities determine areas with inadequate water strain or movement, enabling them to implement obligatory upgrades to the water infrastructure. Traditionally, these assessments have been carried out to confirm the design parameters of water distribution networks and to make sure they meet rising calls for as communities develop.
Due to this fact, understanding the capabilities and limitations of those testing devices is significant for engineers, fireplace departments, and water utility personnel concerned in fireplace suppression and water system administration. Subsequent sections will delve into the particular elements, operational procedures, knowledge interpretation, and upkeep points of those methods.
1. Pitot Gauge Accuracy
The integrity of any evaluation involving a hydrant movement take a look at hinges essentially on the precision of the pitot gauge. It acts because the sensory organ of your entire operation, its readings dictating the validity of subsequent calculations and the reliability of ensuing choices. A defective gauge, prone to float or calibration errors, injects uncertainty instantly into the guts of the method. Think about a state of affairs the place a brand new growth is deliberate, counting on projected fireplace suppression capabilities. If the gauge underestimates movement potential on account of calibration points, the fireplace suppression system design is likely to be insufficient, leaving the constructing and its occupants susceptible. The trigger is obvious: inaccurate measurement results in flawed planning with probably catastrophic penalties.
The pitot gauge’s accuracy instantly impacts the sensible utility of hydrant movement testing. Fireplace departments rely on these assessments to make sure water availability matches their strategic response plans. An inaccurate gauge can create a false sense of safety, main firefighters to imagine they’ve adequate water sources when, in actuality, they could not. Such a discrepancy might considerably hamper firefighting efforts, prolonging incident period and rising property harm. Moreover, engineers use knowledge from these assessments to design and keep water distribution networks. Inaccurate knowledge might lead to infrastructure investments being misdirected, failing to handle essential areas of deficiency.
In essence, the pitot gauges accuracy will not be merely a technical element; it’s the cornerstone of accountable fireplace security administration and efficient water useful resource allocation. Sustaining calibration, common inspection, and correct dealing with of pitot gauges are important practices. Any compromise on these fronts jeopardizes your entire testing course of. The problem lies in sustaining vigilance and guaranteeing that the pursuit of effectivity by no means overshadows the necessity for uncompromising accuracy on this very important element of your entire course of, thereby upholding the protection and resilience of communities.
2. Hydrant Adapter Compatibility
The seamless integration of a testing meeting with a hearth hydrant hinges on the essential side of adapter compatibility. A mismatch, nevertheless slight, transforms your entire train from a exact evaluation right into a futile endeavor, akin to making an attempt to attract water from a nicely with a cracked bucket. Adapters kind the bodily hyperlink between the measuring devices and the hydrant itself, guaranteeing a safe, leak-free connection. With out the proper adapter, your entire setup is rendered ineffective. Take into account the aftermath of the Oakland Hills fireplace; investigators later found a number of hydrants close to the blaze had been incompatible with the native fireplace division’s tools. Whereas circuitously associated to testing, this highlights the disastrous penalties of incompatible fittings, underscoring the significance of appropriate adaptation, even in testing situations.
The importance of correct adaptation extends past mere bodily connection; it instantly impacts the accuracy of the collected knowledge. A free or improperly fitted adapter introduces air into the system, skewing strain readings and invalidating movement calculations. This may mislead engineers and fireplace security officers, resulting in flawed threat assessments and probably insufficient fireplace safety measures. A well-stocked testing meeting will comprise quite a lot of adapters, accommodating the varied vary of hydrant thread sizes and configurations encountered throughout totally different municipalities. This adaptability will not be merely a matter of comfort however a basic requirement for conducting dependable and complete assessments. The meticulous choice and upkeep of adapters are important elements of a sturdy and reliable fireplace security technique.
In the end, hydrant adapter compatibility will not be a peripheral concern however an integral component of guaranteeing correct and dependable water movement testing. The effectiveness of the testing is instantly linked to the power of the tools to seamlessly interface with the present infrastructure. Investing in a complete collection of high-quality, correctly maintained adapters, together with rigorous inspection protocols, helps guard towards catastrophic incompatibility points. This consideration to element is paramount in safeguarding lives and property from the devastating penalties of insufficient fireplace safety.
3. Circulation Fee Calculation
The story of any city’s fireplace security begins not with sirens and hoses, however with numbers. These numbers are the product of “Circulation Fee Calculation,” a core perform enabled by the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment.” Take into account the hypothetical case of Concord Creek, a rising suburb nestled close to a nationwide forest. A brand new hospital complicated was deliberate, demanding assurance that current infrastructure might meet the fireplace suppression wants. The “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” turned the instrument of selection, its pitot gauge measuring pressures, and its adapters connecting to the city’s pink sentinels. However the tools alone was ineffective with out the essential step of conversion, the place these uncooked strain readings remodeled right into a movement fee measured in gallons per minute. With out this translation, the planners had solely uncooked knowledge, meaningless with out being interpreted throughout the context of Concord Creek’s broader wants.
The consequence of incorrect “Circulation Fee Calculation” stretches far past mere technical error. The engineers concerned understood that an overestimation of movement might result in insufficient pipe diameters throughout building, leaving the hospital susceptible in a hearth. Underestimation, conversely, meant wasted funding in unnecessarily giant pipes. In Concord Creek, the engineers meticulously recorded strain drops at totally different hydrants, plugging values into the Hazen-Williams components, factoring in pipe materials and diameter. The ensuing calculations decided whether or not the city’s water infrastructure might deal with the elevated demand of the brand new hospital. Solely then might constructing proceed with confidence, assured that the lives throughout the hospital would have entry to adequate water within the occasion of an emergency.
Thus, “Circulation Fee Calculation” will not be merely a mathematical step; it is the linchpin connecting uncooked knowledge to real-world choices. The “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” is its instrument, and the protection of communities hinges on the accuracy and care with which this essential conversion is carried out. The story of Concord Creek underscores the duty inherent in each calculation, a duty to make sure that the numbers inform the true story of the water able to defend a city from flames.
4. Strain Monitoring Precision
Within the realm of fireplace security, the place mere seconds can imply the distinction between containment and disaster, the accuracy with which water strain is measured turns into paramount. Inside this essential sphere, the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” serves as a main instrument, its effectiveness inextricably linked to “Strain Monitoring Precision.” Think about the stress at a large-scale industrial fireplace; the choices made by the incident commander rely completely on dependable details about water availability. Right here, let’s discover how “Strain Monitoring Precision” ensures these life-saving choices are grounded in actuality.
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Pitot Gauge Calibration & Reliability
The pitot gauge, the guts of the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment,” should keep exacting calibration. A deviation of even a couple of PSI can result in important errors in movement calculations. Take into account a state of affairs the place a seemingly minor calibration error underestimates out there strain. This might lead fireplace crews to imagine they’ve adequate water, solely to find mid-operation that the availability is insufficient, leading to a harmful lag in suppression efforts. Common calibration and rigorous testing of the pitot gauge’s reliability are, subsequently, not merely greatest practices, however important security protocols.
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Static vs. Residual Strain Distinction
“Strain Monitoring Precision” hinges on the power to tell apart precisely between static strain (the strain when no water is flowing) and residual strain (the strain throughout movement). A misunderstanding or misreading of those figures can result in gross miscalculations of obtainable water quantity. Static strain could seem sufficient on preliminary inspection, however the true take a look at lies in how a lot strain stays when the hydrant is actively discharging water. This residual strain dictates the precise capability of the system to maintain firefighting efforts, a distinction that requires exact measurement to keep away from essential errors in strategic planning.
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Eliminating Exterior Elements
Environmental variables and tools malfunctions can considerably affect “Strain Monitoring Precision.” Air trapped within the testing equipment, partially closed valves upstream, or leaks throughout the hydrant itself can all introduce inaccuracies. A seasoned water technician will meticulously examine the tools and the hydrant for such anomalies earlier than commencing the take a look at. Ignoring these potential sources of error can render the information unreliable, resulting in flawed conclusions in regards to the water system’s true capabilities. Each precaution have to be taken to isolate and eradicate exterior components to make sure the strain readings are a real reflection of the system’s efficiency.
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Digital vs. Analog Gauges: Accuracy and Limitations
Whereas each digital and analog gauges play a job in “Strain Monitoring Precision,” every has its strengths and limitations. Digital gauges typically provide larger readability and may present extra exact numerical values. Nevertheless, they depend on batteries and might be prone to digital failures. Analog gauges, then again, are much less liable to digital failures however might be harder to learn precisely, particularly in low-light situations. The selection between the 2 typically depends upon the particular situations and the preferences of the operator, however whatever the sort used, cautious consideration have to be paid to its accuracy and limitations to make sure the reliability of the strain knowledge.
The pursuit of “Strain Monitoring Precision” will not be merely a matter of technical experience; it’s a dedication to the protection of communities. The “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” is barely as efficient because the accuracy with which its knowledge is interpreted. By understanding the nuances of strain dynamics, the significance of calibrated tools, and the potential for exterior interference, professionals can wield this instrument with confidence, guaranteeing that fireplace suppression efforts are constructed on a basis of dependable and correct data.
5. Knowledge Interpretation Reliability
The true energy of the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” lies not within the mere assortment of numbers, however within the rigorous and dependable interpretation of the information it gives. The readings obtained from this tools, whereas seemingly easy, are in truth a fancy tapestry woven from variables like hydrant age, pipe materials, water strain fluctuations, and even seasonal demand. These particular person threads have to be rigorously untangled and understood to disclose the true image of a water system’s capabilities. In 2018, a water district in central California, tasked with assessing fireplace movement capability for a proposed housing growth, meticulously performed movement assessments utilizing the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment”. Nevertheless, the preliminary evaluation, primarily based on a superficial studying of the information, instructed sufficient movement. It was solely via deeper evaluation, accounting for the age of the encircling pipes and the recognized historic strain drops throughout peak irrigation season, that the true, considerably decrease, capability was revealed. This highlights the essential significance of digging past the preliminary knowledge level and contemplating all related contextual components.
The implications of neglecting “Knowledge Interpretation Reliability” might be profound. Take into account a state of affairs the place a hearth division, counting on a flawed interpretation of movement take a look at outcomes, believes a specific space has adequate water strain to help a multi-alarm fireplace. Ought to a serious incident happen, the insufficient water provide might considerably hamper firefighting efforts, resulting in elevated property harm and probably lack of life. Moreover, defective interpretations can result in misallocation of sources. A metropolis may make investments closely in upgrading infrastructure in areas which might be, in actuality, already adequately served, whereas neglecting areas the place the necessity is actually essential. Due to this fact, the coaching and experience of the people liable for deciphering the information from “hydrant movement take a look at equipment”s are of utmost significance. These professionals should possess a radical understanding of hydraulic rules, water system design, and native water demand patterns. They need to be capable of critically consider the information, determine potential sources of error, and account for all related variables to reach at correct and dependable conclusions.
In conclusion, “Knowledge Interpretation Reliability” is the keystone of the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment’s” worth. With out it, the collected knowledge is just a group of meaningless numbers. It’s only via cautious, nuanced, and knowledgeable evaluation that the true potential of the tools might be unlocked, offering the inspiration for sound decision-making in fireplace security planning and water useful resource administration. Whereas technological developments proceed to enhance the accuracy and effectivity of knowledge assortment, the human component of interpretation stays indispensable. It’s the essential pondering and experience of educated professionals that in the end translate uncooked knowledge into actionable insights, guaranteeing the protection and resilience of communities.
6. Upkeep Protocol Adherence
Within the quiet corners of municipal upkeep yards, amidst the tangle of hoses and valves, lies a silent guardian of neighborhood security: the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment.” Its effectiveness will not be inherent in its building, however relatively within the unwavering dedication to “Upkeep Protocol Adherence.” This self-discipline is the unseen power that ensures the equipment is prepared when seconds depend, a precept cast within the fires of previous failures.
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Calibration Verification: The Echo of Accuracy
Every pitot gauge, every strain sensor, should bear rigorous calibration verification. This course of is not merely a procedural checkmark, however an echo of the previous, a lesson discovered from situations the place defective readings led to tragically flawed assessments. A narrative surfaces from a small city the place a miscalibrated gauge indicated sufficient movement, solely to fail catastrophically throughout a warehouse fireplace. The following investigation revealed a uncared for calibration schedule. Common verification, subsequently, is not only upkeep; it’s a dedication to precision, etched in reminiscence of a neighborhood’s near-disaster.
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Adapter Inspection: Threads of Connection
Adapters, the unassuming hyperlinks between the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” and the hydrant itself, demand meticulous inspection. A corroded thread, a hairline crack, can disrupt the integrity of the connection, skewing strain readings and jeopardizing the validity of your entire take a look at. Municipalities are sometimes confronted with a fancy net of various hydrant thread sizes, requiring a complete stock of adapters. A well-documented incident concerned a hearth division struggling to attach their tools on account of a scarcity of appropriate adapters. This underscored the significance of sustaining not solely the adapters themselves but additionally a readily accessible stock and a system for fast identification and deployment.
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Hose and Valve Integrity: Channels of Uninterrupted Circulation
The hoses and valves that channel the lifeblood of a hearth suppression system have to be handled with unwavering vigilance. Cracks within the hoses, mineral deposits throughout the valves, all impede movement and introduce inaccuracies into the measurements. The story circulates of a metropolis whose movement assessments persistently yielded lower-than-expected outcomes. An investigation traced the problem to {a partially} obstructed valve throughout the take a look at equipment itself, a consequence of neglecting routine cleansing and inspection. “Upkeep Protocol Adherence” calls for that these elements be meticulously examined, cleaned, and changed as wanted, guaranteeing uninterrupted movement and dependable knowledge.
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Storage Circumstances: Defending the Funding
The “hydrant movement take a look at equipment,” although sturdy in design, is susceptible to the ravages of improper storage. Publicity to excessive temperatures, humidity, and bodily harm can compromise the delicate devices inside. A hearth marshal, reflecting on his profession, remembers witnessing the gradual degradation of testing tools left uncovered to the weather. He emphasizes the significance of safe, climate-controlled storage to delay the lifespan and keep the accuracy of the equipment. Correct storage will not be merely tidiness; it’s an funding sooner or later readiness of the neighborhood’s fireplace defenses.
These aspects of “Upkeep Protocol Adherence,” born from the ashes of previous missteps, converge to make sure the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” stands as a dependable sentinel. This self-discipline, this unwavering dedication to element, transforms a group of devices right into a trusted instrument, prepared to offer the essential data wanted to guard lives and property. The tales, whispered throughout the upkeep yards and firehouses, function a relentless reminder that vigilance will not be merely a activity, however a solemn obligation.
Incessantly Requested Questions About Hydrant Circulation Take a look at Kits
Discussions relating to water provide capability typically result in many questions. Exploring the aspects of testing equipment can clear up confusion and enhance comprehension about how these methods perform inside fireplace security planning.
Query 1: Why is common testing utilizing a “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” thought of very important, even in areas with seemingly sufficient water strain?
The city of Atherton discovered this lesson the exhausting manner. Preliminary assessments, primarily based solely on static strain readings, painted an image of strong water availability. Nevertheless, a collection of devastating brush fires uncovered a stark actuality: getting old pipes and unexpected demand spikes considerably lowered movement capability throughout essential instances. Common testing, even in seemingly safe locales, gives a dynamic evaluation, revealing hidden vulnerabilities that static measurements alone can not detect. It isn’t sufficient to imagine; verification is paramount.
Query 2: What constitutes a “passing” take a look at outcome when using a “hydrant movement take a look at equipment,” and who determines this commonplace?
There isn’t any common “passing” grade; relatively, the usual is dictated by the particular necessities of the jurisdiction, the occupancy being protected, and the related fireplace codes. An industrial complicated housing flammable supplies will demand a considerably greater movement fee than a residential neighborhood. It’s the duty of fireplace marshals, water engineers, and constructing officers to collaboratively outline these requirements, contemplating components resembling constructing dimension, occupancy sort, and the capabilities of the native fireplace division. A passing take a look at, subsequently, will not be an arbitrary quantity, however a rigorously calibrated benchmark designed to safeguard particular dangers.
Query 3: Can a “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” be successfully utilized in sub-zero temperatures, and if that’s the case, what precautions have to be taken?
Whereas technically possible, conducting movement assessments in freezing situations introduces important challenges. The chance of apparatus harm from ice formation, inaccurate readings on account of viscosity modifications within the water, and unsafe working situations for personnel are all main issues. To mitigate these dangers, meticulous preparation is crucial. This consists of preheating the testing tools, insulating uncovered elements, implementing strict security protocols to stop slips and falls, and guaranteeing instant drainage after the take a look at to stop freezing throughout the equipment and hydrant. The choice to proceed with a take a look at in sub-zero situations needs to be weighed rigorously, contemplating the potential for compromised accuracy and elevated security dangers.
Query 4: How regularly ought to a “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” itself be calibrated to make sure correct readings?
Adherence to a inflexible calibration schedule is paramount. The beneficial frequency depends upon the equipment’s utilization and the producer’s pointers, however a common rule of thumb dictates no less than annual calibration. Nevertheless, any incident that might probably harm the tools, resembling a drop or publicity to excessive temperatures, necessitates instant recalibration. Consider it like a finely tuned instrument; even a minor affect can throw it out of alignment. Common calibration will not be merely a upkeep activity, however a basic safeguard towards inaccurate knowledge and probably disastrous penalties.
Query 5: Are there particular coaching necessities for personnel working a “hydrant movement take a look at equipment,” and if that’s the case, what competencies are important?
Working this tools will not be merely a matter of attaching hoses and studying gauges; it calls for a specialised skillset. Important competencies embody a radical understanding of hydraulic rules, proficiency in knowledge interpretation, the power to determine and troubleshoot potential tools malfunctions, and adherence to strict security protocols. Formal coaching packages, typically provided by tools producers or fireplace service organizations, present the required data and hands-on expertise. Untrained personnel cannot solely generate inaccurate knowledge but additionally pose a threat to themselves and others. Competent operation is a cornerstone of dependable testing.
Query 6: What are the important thing variations between utilizing a standard “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” and using newer applied sciences resembling acoustic movement monitoring for water system evaluation?
Whereas conventional “hydrant movement take a look at equipment”s present worthwhile point-source knowledge, acoustic movement monitoring gives a broader, system-wide perspective. The previous instantly measures movement and strain at particular hydrants, whereas the latter makes use of sound waves to detect leaks, blockages, and different anomalies all through the water distribution community. Acoustic monitoring can determine potential issues earlier than they manifest as important movement deficiencies, permitting for proactive upkeep and stopping pricey repairs. Whereas the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” stays a vital instrument for verifying capability at particular places, acoustic monitoring gives a complementary, preventative strategy to water system administration. Every has strengths and limitations, and the optimum technique typically entails integrating each applied sciences.
Understanding the main points of hydrant movement testing gives a greater image of how this equipment contribute to the dependable water useful resource, which assist to make choices inside fireplace security.
This understanding serves as a basis for exploring further methods to make sure neighborhood security from fire-related incidents.
Suggestions for Maximizing the Worth of a Hydrant Circulation Take a look at Equipment
The utility of a “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” transcends its easy assemblage of gauges and adaptors. Its true price is realized via knowledgeable planning, meticulous execution, and a profound understanding of its limitations. Heed these tricks to unlock its full potential, guaranteeing that fireplace safety methods are grounded in correct knowledge.
Tip 1: Prioritize Strategic Hydrant Choice
Keep away from random choice; as an alternative, select hydrants that characterize essential junctures within the water community or these serving high-risk areas. Take into account a hospital, for instance. Testing hydrants instantly adjoining to the constructing, in addition to these additional upstream, gives a extra complete image of system capability underneath stress. This focused strategy ensures sources are allotted successfully, specializing in areas the place correct knowledge is most important.
Tip 2: Doc Every part, Meticulously
Report not solely the strain readings but additionally the time of day, climate situations, the make and mannequin of the hydrant, and any noticed anomalies. A seemingly insignificant element, resembling close by building or a latest water primary break, can considerably affect take a look at outcomes. This complete documentation gives context, permitting for knowledgeable evaluation and stopping misinterpretations.
Tip 3: Embrace Redundancy Via Repeat Testing
Single knowledge factors might be deceptive. Conduct a number of assessments at every hydrant, various the time of day and, if attainable, the season. These repeated measurements reveal fluctuations in water strain and movement, portray a extra correct image of the system’s reliability underneath various demand situations. This redundancy helps to mitigate the affect of transient components, guaranteeing that fireplace safety methods are sturdy and adaptable.
Tip 4: Perceive the Equipment’s Limitations
Acknowledge that the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” gives solely a snapshot in time. It can not predict future system failures or account for unexpected surges in demand. Complement the equipment’s knowledge with historic information, hydraulic modeling, and common system inspections. This holistic strategy gives a extra complete understanding of the water community’s total well being and resilience.
Tip 5: Share the Information, Foster Collaboration
The information generated by the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” will not be the only property of the water division or the fireplace marshal. Share the findings with engineers, constructing officers, and even the neighborhood. Open communication fosters a shared understanding of fireplace safety challenges and promotes collaborative options. This collective consciousness is crucial for guaranteeing the protection and well-being of your entire neighborhood.
Tip 6: Keep the Equipment with Diligence
A uncared for “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” is a legal responsibility, not an asset. Adhere to a strict upkeep schedule, guaranteeing that every one elements are clear, calibrated, and in good working order. A broken gauge or a corroded adaptor can invalidate your entire testing course of, resulting in flawed choices with probably catastrophic penalties. Common upkeep will not be merely a procedural activity however a basic safeguard towards avoidable errors.
By embracing the following pointers, the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” transforms from a group of instruments into a strong instrument for safeguarding lives and property. Its worth lies not solely in its capacity to measure water strain and movement, but additionally in its capability to tell sound choices, promote collaboration, and foster a tradition of preparedness.
As we transfer in direction of the conclusion, keep in mind that the insights gained from these assessments are instrumental in shaping a protected neighborhood. Future discussions will discover superior methods to optimize water sources and mitigate the dangers related to fire-related incidents.
Conclusion
The narrative surrounding the “hydrant movement take a look at equipment” is one in all fixed vigilance. From understanding the intricate workings of pitot gauges to meticulous upkeep schedules, the overarching theme stays constant: accuracy and reliability are paramount. This exploration has traversed the panorama of hydraulic rules, emphasizing the necessity for exact knowledge interpretation and a dedication to greatest practices. The echoes of Concord Creek, Atherton, and numerous different communities function stark reminders of the results of complacency. Their tales, etched within the annals of fireplace security, underscore the essential function of this tools in safeguarding lives and property.
The “hydrant movement take a look at equipment,” subsequently, will not be merely an meeting of instruments. It’s a image of proactive preparedness, a testomony to the dedication of these entrusted with defending communities from the ravages of fireplace. Its correct utilization calls for greater than technical experience; it requires a profound sense of duty and a unwavering dedication to excellence. As communities develop and water methods evolve, the vigilance surrounding this tools should stay unwavering. Solely then can the promise of sufficient fireplace safety be really fulfilled, guaranteeing that the silent pink sentinels stand able to defend towards the ever-present menace of flames.
