Researchers at Waterloo Engineering are in line for a share of a major funding commitment announced today to help tackle destructive wildfires.
Natural Resources Canada is providing $45.7 million for 30 research projects across the country in areas including wildfire risk assessment, mitigation and adaptive forestry practices, and wildfire readiness in Indigenous communities.
The Fire Research Facility at Waterloo (UW FRF) was awarded $322,000 over three years for its participation in a project led by the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, an organization dedicated to helping communities build internal capacity for safety and resilience.
“Protecting the safety, health, and economic well-being of communities across Canada is a top priority as we face the ongoing threat of wildfires,” Tim Hodgson, the minister of energy and natural resources, said in a media release.
One of the most modern and unique labs of its kind in Canada, UW FRF is headed by Dr. Beth Weckman and Dr. Vinny Gupta, both professors of mechanical and mechatronics engineering.