How do I simulate a fire spread?

Open this page and use the live Skid-to-Stop Speed tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a fire spread from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Skid-to-Stop Speed

Skid-to-Stop Speed for a fire spread

Simulate a fire spread live in your browser. This runs the real Skid-to-Stop Speed solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Skid-to-Stop SpeedLive

accident reconstruction

Minimum speed at start of skid

43mph

Controls

Presets

Skid length (ft)

Drag factor (surface)

Braking efficiency

Road grade (%)

The minimum speed at the start of a skid follows v = √(30·D·f·n), where D is skid distance, f the surface drag factor, and n braking efficiency. Uphill grade adds to f, downhill subtracts. Estimation aid — a formal reconstruction requires scene measurement and a drag-factor test.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Effective f0.70

Speed (km/h)70

Formula√(30·D·f·n)

Governing equation

v = 30 D f n = 30 \cdot 90 \cdot 0.70 \cdot 1.00 = 43 mph

Reading this result: A 90 ft skid on this surface implies a minimum starting speed near 43 mph — the true speed is at least this, since braking before the skid is not counted.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

About this simulation

The full Skid-to-Stop Speed tool models a fire spread with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Skid-to-Stop Speed

Skid-to-Stop Speed for a house fire Skid-to-Stop Speed for a wildfire Skid-to-Stop Speed for a hazmat spill Skid-to-Stop Speed for a mass-casualty scene Skid-to-Stop Speed for a flood rescue Skid-to-Stop Speed for a building collapse Skid-to-Stop Speed for a chemical leak Skid-to-Stop Speed for a search-and-rescue grid

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Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a fire spread?: Open this page and use the live Skid-to-Stop Speed tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a fire spread from your own measurements.