# Fire whirls burn oil spills 40% faster, cut soot 40% 2026-08-08T07:27:48+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Texas A&M University and University of California, Berkeley researchers have created a 17-foot-tall fire whirl over crude oil on water. The spinning flame burned the oil about 40% faster than a conventional in-situ fire, cut soot emissions by 40% and consumed up to 95% of the fuel. The controlled vortex acts like a turbocharger, pulling in more oxygen. The experiment, at a Texas training field, used a three-sided triangular structure. Dr. Elaine Oran of Texas A&M led the study. The method aims to improve in-situ burning of offshore oil spills, which currently produces thick smoke and leaves tar-like residue. Faster, cleaner burning could help responders protect coastlines. But fire whirls are sensitive to wind and weather, and the team warns the technique is not risk-free. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: cleanup, environment, fire whirl, oil spill, research, Texas A&M Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/fire-whirls-burn-oil-spills-40-faster-cut-soot-40/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/fire-whirls-burn-oil-spills-40-faster-cut-soot-40/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.