Prof. Samuel L. Manzello (Energy Dynamics Laboratory), a Wildland-urban Interface (WUI) fire researcher, is responding to various media interviews about the wildfires in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture.

【Media coverage】
Wildfire Today
Thousands evacuated as Japan’s largest wildfire in 30 years burns

Bloomberg
Japan Battles Worst Wildfire in 40 Years Amid Record Dry Season

CNA（Channel News Asia）
Japan’s worst wildfire in half a century spreads

JIJI.COM
続く延焼、風や地形が影響　腐葉土乾燥も一因か―岩手山林火災

【Visiting Professor Samuel L. Manzello comments】
Our heart goes out to the brave people of Ofunato City, and all the fire crews, coming from across Japan, working hard to bring these wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires under control.  Our best wishes for a speedy recovery from this WUI fire disaster.
WUI fire disasters are now occurring all over the world.  For these reasons, it is important to apply scientific understanding of how WUI fires spread, and ignite vegetation and buildings, into future building codes and test standards.  Such activities will enable more resilient communities of the future.


[Related articles]
Energy Dynamics Laboratory
Prof. Samuel L. Manzello’s (Energy Dynamics Laboratory) research on harmonizing international testing standards for large outdoor fires, including wildland urban interface fires (WUI), was featured on the Tohoku University’s website.
Prof. Samuel L. Manzello’s (Energy Dynamics Laboratory) research on small firebrands, a critical problem in wildfire spread carried out between Japan and South Africa, was featured on the Tohoku University’s webseite.


Contact：
Prof. Samuel L. Manzello
Institute of Fluid Science,
Tohoku University
E-mail : manzello*tohoku.ac.jp
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