U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey announce $1 million for WPI Fire Work

Washington, DC, July 22, 2013

Monday July 22, 2013

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02) and U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (MA) and Ed Markey (MA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded nearly $1 million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) through the Fire Prevention and Safety Program.

According to WPI, the research team led by Professor Brian Meacham will use the 998,446 grant to understand, quantify and address fire performance challenges of green or sustainable buildings as they impact firefighter safety.  Researchers will be utilizing the newly constructed “UL Fire Protection Engineering Performance Lab at WPI” in the Gateway II complex for conducting ‘medium-scale’ (‘room-scale’) fire testing of building envelop systems.  They anticipate a ‘large-scale’ burn at DFS facilities later in the project.  Researchers from the University of Maryland will also take part.

“For decades, WPI has been on the cutting edge of fire protection research,” Rep. McGovern said.  “This important work has particular meaning for those of us in Central Massachusetts – we have lost too many of our brave firefighters.  I’m pleased that the federal government continues to recognize WPI’s excellence.”

“WPI is doing great work leading important research projects to support our fire departments,” Sen. Warren said.  “This significant grant will help fund vital efforts to make sure firefighters across the Commonwealth can do their jobs safely and protect our communities.”

“I congratulate WPI for receiving this grant and for their continued innovative work equipping our brave firefighters with the latest tools to protect our citizens,” Sen. Markey said. Central Massachusetts and all of the Commonwealth will benefit from this critical research being done at WPI.”