About

EMBER Fire Group is an Academic research group at Carleton University, Canada, focusing on fire safety engineering research

Fires of Knowledge, Safety Illuminated

''Our logo draws inspiration from the graceful dance of burning embers, an intricate pattern discretized akin to our numerical calculation cells. This intentional design reflects our deep commitment to numerical modeling, specifically in understanding the complexities of smoldering and pyrolysis processes within fire dynamics. At the heart of our emblem, the sun gracefully sets behind the embers, serving as a poignant reminder of the origin of thermal energy and light. This mirrors our research methodology—tracing complexities back to their origins in a methodical journey that defines our approach to fire safety engineering. Fire is both a challenge and a tool—understanding its behavior allows us to develop safer, more sustainable materials and engineering approaches. Our research seeks to enhance fire safety while promoting environmentally responsible innovations that contribute to a more resilient built environment. The EMBER FIRE GROUP stands at the intersection of safety and sustainability, where scientific precision meets a vision for a safer and more sustainable future.''

EMBER FIRE GROUP

Message from the PI

"We believe that the growing threat of wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires represents more than a technical challenge—it is a test of our collective responsibility to design, build, and live in harmony with increasingly volatile landscapes. As wildfires escalate in scale and severity worldwide, our philosophy centers on the urgent need to ground fire safety in science, equity, and foresight.

We see fire not as an anomaly, but as a natural force that must be better understood, anticipated, and integrated into how we shape communities. In the WUI, where human development meets combustible terrain, traditional boundaries between wildfire and structural fire collapse—demanding a new, interdisciplinary lens. Our work is driven by the conviction that fire resilience must be proactive, not reactive—rooted in physics, informed by behavior, and responsive to the realities of climate change.

We view the built environment as both a barrier and a bridge between vulnerability and safety. Designing for fire resilience in the WUI means more than hardening structures—it means respecting context, enabling safe evacuation, and aligning safety strategies with broader societal goals, including sustainability and carbon Net Zero.

Rather than treating resilience and environmental stewardship as competing priorities, we see them as deeply interdependent. A future that is both fire-safe and climate-conscious requires systems thinking: a fusion of experimental rigor, computational innovation, and a commitment to real-world application.

At our core, we believe that the science of fire should serve people—especially those at the frontlines of risk. Our research is driven by the hope that, through deeper understanding and purposeful design, communities can thrive even at the edge of the flame."

— Dr. Mohamed Beshir

As Canada’s population continues to grow, especially in major urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, the demand for high-rise buildings and dense urban developments is rising. This rapid urbanization presents significant challenges in fire safety, sustainability, and resilience. Our research focuses on addressing these evolving risks—ensuring that as cities expand, they do so with fire-safe, sustainable, and innovative building solutions that align with Canada’s Low-Carbon Built Environment (LCBE) Program                                             -Dr. Mohamed Beshir