Researchers will light fire to test prevention techniques

Dr. Robert Essenhigh, Ohio State professor of mechanical engineering, is leading a group of students and researchers working with the U.S. Forest Service to develop ways to stop the spread of wildfires in the west. They also are hoping that the solutions they find will offer clues on how to regenerate some woods in southern Ohio already destroyed.

Essenhigh and his students will conduct an experiment at 10:30 a.m. today that will simulate a “burn,” much like what the forest service has sometimes done in the west. The experiment will take in the Ohio State Combustion Lab in Robinson Lab.

WHAT:Experiment of a controlled burn to help develop solutions to western forest fires.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. today

WHERE: Robinson Laboratory’s Combustion Lab, 206 W. 18th Ave.

WHY: Ohio State researchers are seeking clues to stop western forest fires as well as ways to regenerate southern Ohio.