State’s wildfires the topic of public discussion at UCI

They come around like clockwork in the fall and drive thousands out of their homes. Yes, they’re California’s recurring wildfires, and they’re the subject of a panel discussion at UCI on Tuesday.

Arizona State University professor Stephen Pyne will lead the discussion, titled “The Social Ecology of Fires.” UCI developmental and cell biology professor Peter Bryant, computer science associate professor Nalini Venkatasubramanian and Orange County Fire Authority Chief Chip Prather will also participate in the event, which promises to explore how society should approach the challenge of fires, as well as what scientific discipline has the most to offer.

The free event takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the UCI Student Center, in Doheny Room A. While it is open to the public, reservations are recommended. For information, call (949) 824-9336, or e-mail [email protected].

— Michael Alexander