In the Line of Fire

As wildfires become an increasingly urgent global challenge, WPI continues to lead in groundbreaking research, real-world solutions, and public safety education.

As fast-moving, wind-driven flames ravaged Los Angeles earlier this year, WPI’s expertise in wildfire prevention and mitigation was never more relevant—and the national media took notice. For their coverage of the disaster, the Boston Globe, WCVB, WBUR, NBC10 Boston, NECN, and Spectrum News 1 all highlighted WPI’s wind-tunnel experiments designed to analyze wildfire behavior. 

Department of Fire Protection Engineering faculty experts, including Professor and Department Head Albert Simeoni and Assistant Professor James Urban, are also influencing national and global conversations on wildfire safety. Simeoni, a leading expert in fire science, recently shared his insights with The New York Times, detailing how wildfires can transition from wildland events into urban disasters. His work on firebrands—burning embers carried by wind—has been instrumental in shaping new strategies for fire prevention.

The Associated Press also visited the FPE laboratories to explore the phenomenon of fire whirls, or fire tornadoes, which present unique challenges in large-scale fires. The AP produced a video and article featuring Urban and the fire whirl demonstration, which was organized by FPE faculty, staff, and students. This critical research and expertise are making a tangible impact on firefighting tactics and wildfire mitigation efforts worldwide.

“These headlines are heartbreaking, and we hope for a day when the importance of wildfire research no longer needs explanation. But until that day comes, our outreach efforts ensure that WPI’s expertise extends beyond the lab and into the real world, helping individuals, communities, and policymakers better prepare for and respond to wildfires,” says Simeoni. “By translating research into actionable strategies, we are working to build resilience and reduce the devastating impact of these fires.”

It’s not just the media who have tapped into this critical field of study and WPI expertise. The university is now part of a collaboration with the National Science Foundation’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, alongside San Jose State University, that will help develop cutting-edge fire detection technology, improve firefighter safety, and innovate new wildfire suppression methods. 

“Public awareness of wildfire risks has never been greater, helping to drive more research, innovation, and action. At WPI, we are committed to equipping communities with the knowledge and strategies needed to mitigate these risks—whether through using fire-resistant building materials, implementing defensible space measures, or advancing fire science research,” says Urban. “As these threats grow, so does our dedication to education, innovation, and resilience.”