I have been hearing many stories about how ill-prepared California was and it saddens me. After the wildfires of Hawaii in 2023 where almost 100 people were killed, something needs to be done. As climate change exacerbates their frequency and intensity, innovative technologies are emerging as vital tools in reducing wildfire risks and mitigating their impacts. From advanced sensors to AI-driven analytics, here’s how technology is transforming wildfire prevention, detection, and management.

1. Early Detection Through Advanced Sensors

• IoT Sensors: Deployed in high-risk areas, these sensors monitor environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and smoke. When anomalies are detected, they send real-time alerts to authorities, enabling rapid response.
• Wildfire Sensors by DHS S&T: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is developing real-time sensors capable of detecting elements like particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and gases associated with wildfire conditions. These sensors increase the likelihood of prompt ignition detection and effective containment.
• Satellite Imagery: High-resolution satellites like NASA’s MODIS and ESA’s Sentinel-2 provide continuous monitoring of vast areas, identifying hotspots before they escalate into large-scale fires.

2. AI-Powered Predictive Analytics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to analyze historical data, weather patterns, and real-time environmental conditions to predict wildfire occurrences.

• Risk Assessment Models: AI algorithms identify areas at highest risk by analyzing variables such as vegetation density, drought levels, and wind patterns.
• Resource Allocation: AI tools optimize the deployment of firefighting resources, ensuring the most vulnerable areas receive adequate protection.

3. Drones for Monitoring and Suppression

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are playing a crucial role in wildfire management.

• Surveillance: Equipped with thermal imaging cameras, drones provide real-time footage of fire behavior, aiding firefighters in devising effective strategies.
• Fire Suppression: Specialized drones can drop fire retardants in areas that are difficult for ground crews to access, containing fires more efficiently.

4. Controlled Burns with Precision Technology

Prescribed or controlled burns are a proactive method to reduce wildfire fuel loads. Advanced tools ensure these burns are conducted safely and effectively.

• GIS Mapping: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to map out and plan controlled burns, minimizing the risk of accidental fire spread.
• Ignition Drones: Drones equipped with ignition devices carry out controlled burns with precision, reducing human risk.

5. Enhanced Safety for First Responders

Protecting firefighters during wildfire events is a critical focus area. DHS S&T is developing advanced protective equipment, including:

• Improved Gear: Personal protective equipment designed to withstand extreme heat and environmental conditions.
• Wearable Technologies: Devices that monitor vital signs and environmental factors, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of first responders.

6. Community-Based Solutions with Mobile Apps

Empowering communities to participate in wildfire prevention is key to reducing risks.

• Early Warning Apps: Mobile applications like Watch Duty and FireReady provide real-time alerts and evacuation notices.
• Citizen Science: Platforms enable residents to report fire risks, such as dry brush or illegal burns, enhancing community vigilance.

7. Sustainable Forestry Management

Technology aids in maintaining healthier forests, which are more resilient to wildfires.

• Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery combined with AI helps monitor forest health and identify areas requiring intervention.
• Automated Logging: Robotics and automation ensure efficient removal of dead trees and excessive underbrush, reducing fire fuel.

8. Post-Fire Recovery with Tech Innovations

After a wildfire, restoring ecosystems is critical. Technology plays a role in accelerating recovery.

• Drone Reforestation: Specialized drones plant seeds in affected areas, expediting reforestation efforts.
• Soil Monitoring Sensors: IoT devices track soil health, guiding restoration projects to ensure successful vegetation regrowth.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While technological advancements offer immense potential, challenges remain. Funding, infrastructure, and public awareness are essential to fully harness these tools. Collaboration between governments, tech companies, and communities is critical to building a comprehensive wildfire management strategy. Technology is proving to be a game-changer in the fight against wildfires. By integrating advanced detection systems, AI, drones, DHS-led innovations, and sustainable practices, we can reduce wildfire risks and protect our planet. As innovation continues, a safer, more resilient future is within reach.

More about Amy Polvado – Founder of Facilimax & Chairwoman of US Proptech Council

After graduating from Purdue University in 1998, Amy spent a few years working in the software and semi-conductor manufacturing industry. In 2003, she began her career in commercial real estate as a general contractor. By 2014,  she had accumalted a vast amount of experience having been in 16 states building retail stores. Along that journey, Amy began real estate investing, and in 2008 created a vertically-integrated real estate private equity firm with more than $1 billion in assets under management. In 2019 she founded an AI proptech company, Facilimax, to solve the inefficiencies in the commercial real estate industry. Currently, Amy serves as Founder and CEO of Facilimax and Chairwoman of the US Proptech Council, the trade association for the proptech industry in the United States. Please contact Amy if you need her expertise, which having been on a call with her is vast – use this LINK.