Texas A&M Researchers Eye Fire Whirls to Speed Oil Spill Cleanup

Researchers at Texas A&M tested controlled fire whirls (fire tornadoes) as a method to burn oil spills more quickly and with less soot than current in-situ burning, achieving up to 95% fuel burn-off with 40% less soot in a 17‑foot-tall fire whirl; the concept is in early stages and aims to speed cleanup while protecting coastlines, pending further research on practicality and environmental impact.