This video shows a test burn of a “collections storage room” at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Fire Research Laboratory in collaboration with Smithsonian Institution’s National Collections Program, Preparedness and Response in Collections Emergencies team. The mock environment is staged with closed cabinets and open storage, and a variety of collection type props (no actual collection items were used) and supplies. It is purposefully cluttered with excess packing and support materials in order to reflect realistic but not ideal conditions. Note how these contribute to the fire’s spread across the floor; ideally, flammable materials and supplies should be stored away from collections areas to limit risk and fire load. Video courtesy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ Fire Research Laboratory.
Video Duration:
5 min 59 sec
YouTube Keywords:
archive museum Smithsonian history conservation preservation archivist
