Integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics and Space Syntax simulation of evacuation efficiency and fire spread in informal local markets

Local markets make a significant contribution to urban livelihood and economic development, especially in low-income areas. This research evaluates the contribution of the spatial design of a local market to reducing fire risk in the urban areas of low economies. Fire calamities in regional local markets have caused extensive economic losses and property damage, resulting from ineffective spatial organisation, inadequate fire safety measures, and combustible building materials. Supported by interviews, field observations, and QGIS mapping, the study has integrated Space Syntax analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation to quantify both human evacuation performance and environmental fire spread within the same context. Though both CFD modelling and Space Syntax have long-established applications in formal building design, the study denotes the integrated application of both techniques to assess fire safety in informal market contexts. The study revealed low visual integration, critical vulnerabilities, narrow aisles, and a lack of evacuation routes as significant problems. The findings have shown difficulties in firefighting equipment and combustible building materials present for rapid fire spread. The evacuation simulations through Pathfinder and CFD have identified bottlenecks in most of the high-density areas, causing delays in escape. The research proposes a spatial design intervention in terms of the use of fire-resistant materials, zoning of highly combustible commodities, evacuation routes optimised, and signage and awareness provided to the occupants. The results highlight essential policy implementation via the Fire and Rescue Force Act and practical redesigning of local market structure to promote safety. It is about guiding fire risk reduction policy measures to provide solutions to policymakers and urban planners to protect economic stability and livelihoods in low economies.