12 Leading Wildfire Technology Companies Fighting Future Infernos [2024 Review]

As wildfires increasingly wreak havoc across the globe, the quest for effective fire safety solutions has taken on new urgency. This article explores the future of fire safety through the lens of twelve wildfire technology companies that are tackling the issue head on.

From state-of-the-art detection systems to sustainable materials, these innovators are not just reacting to the crisis—they are proactively shaping a safer future for all.

The EEI Wildfire Technology Summit 2024, held in San Diego, California, underscored the critical role of technology in addressing the growing threat of wildfires.

This landmark event brought together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and showcasing cutting-edge solutions.

Many of the pioneers featured in this review presented their groundbreaking technologies at the summit, demonstrating the rapid advancements in disruptive weather and wildfire management and prevention.

Wildfires and Climate Change: A Vicious Cycle

Wildfires are not only a consequence of climate change but also a contributor to the problem. As global temperatures rise due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, the risk of wildfires increases dramatically.

Hotter, drier conditions create ideal conditions for fires to start and spread rapidly. In turn, wildfires release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, further exacerbating climate change.

Globally, wildfires add approximately 5 to 8 billion tonnes of CO2 each year.

This creates a vicious cycle where climate change leads to more wildfires and, subsequently, more CO2, accelerating global warming.

Breaking this cycle requires urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement sustainable forest management practices.

Only by tackling the root causes of climate change can we hope to mitigate the growing threat of extreme wildfires around the world.

Climatesort Wildfire Facts

Challenges for Tech Companies in Wildfire Management

Wildfire technology companies are stepping up to the challenge, developing innovative tools and strategies to mitigate the devastating impacts of these natural disasters.

However, the path to successful implementation is fraught with obstacles. From navigating complex regulatory environments to securing consistent funding, tech firms face significant hurdles in bringing their solutions to market. Here are just a few of the challenges they face:

Funding and Investment

Limited Funding Opportunities: Startups focused on wildfire prevention and management often struggle to secure funding from traditional venture capitalists. Investors frequently perceive these ventures as having low financial returns, particularly when targeting cash-strapped fire departments or public safety sectors.

Market Perception: The market for wildfire-related technologies is still developing, and many investors are hesitant to invest in products that may not yield immediate profits. This perception can hinder the growth of startups that are crucial for developing technology to prevent wildfires.

Technological Development

Need for Innovative Technology: There is a growing demand for advanced technologies like AI, drones, and IoT for wildfire detection and management. Startups such as Dryad and OroraTech are developing solutions using these technologies. However, the challenge lies in effectively scaling these innovations as well as ensuring accessibility for necessary stakeholders.

Integration with Existing Systems: Startups must ensure that their technologies can seamlessly integrate with existing fire management systems and practices. Tools that provide real-time data and communication between fire departments and residents are crucial but require collaboration with various stakeholders to be effective.

Regulatory and Operational Challenges

Regulatory Hurdles: Startups often face complex regulatory environments that can delay the deployment of their solutions. Navigating these regulations while ensuring compliance can be a significant barrier to entry into the wildfire management market.

Collaboration with Utilities: Many wildfires are linked to utility infrastructure. Wildfire startups must work closely with utility companies to develop solutions that prevent utility-caused wildfires, which can involve significant coordination and negotiation.

Environmental Factors

Impact of Climate Change: The increasing severity and frequency of wildfires due to climate change present a moving target for startups. Solutions must be adaptable to changing environmental conditions and capable of addressing the root causes of wildfires, not just the symptoms.

Public Awareness and Engagement

It is essential to raise public and potential user awareness about the importance of wildfire prevention technologies. Startups need to engage communities effectively to ensure that their solutions are understood and utilized.

By addressing these challenges, startups can contribute significantly to wildfire management and prevention efforts, ultimately leading to safer communities and more resilient landscapes.

Here is a video from Lockheed Martin describing the challenges of wildfires and how artificial intelligence is currently being used to combat them.

12 Wildfire Tech Companies

dryad logo

Dryad Networks

HQ Location
Berlin, Germany
Founded
2020
Num. of Employees
11-50
dryad homepage

Dryad Networks is an environmental IoT startup based in Berlin-Brandenburg, focused on developing a large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) network aimed at enhancing forest management and wildfire detection.

The company is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for both public and private forest owners, enabling them to monitor, analyze, and protect forests effectively.

Dryad’s primary mission is to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires and to monitor the health of forest ecosystems. The company employs a distributed network of sensors that utilize LoRaWAN technology, allowing for long-range communication and integration with various third-party sensors.

This network is designed to detect wildfires at their earliest stages, particularly during the smoldering phase, which is crucial for effective intervention and prevention

Dryad Networks uses a large-scale IoT sensor network based on LoRaWAN technology for ultra-early wildfire detection and forest monitoring. Key components of their Silvanet system include:

  • Solar-powered sensor nodes equipped with gas sensors and air quality sensors to detect hydrogen, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are key indicators of smoldering fires.

  • A two-stage detection process where the first stage uses ultra-low-power sensing to detect initial signs of a fire, and the second stage activates gas sensing mode for confirmation using machine learning.

  • LoRaWAN mesh gateways that establish a communications bubble of about 1-2 km radius around each gateway, creating an extensive IoT network within forested areas.
Orora tech logo

OroraTech

HQ Location
Munich, Germany
Founded
2018
Num. of Employees
51-200
ORORA homepage

OroraTech is a Munich-based thermal data intelligence company that specializes in wildfire monitoring using nanosatellite technology.

Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Munich, OroraTech aims to enhance environmental protection and contribute to a net-zero economy through its innovative solutions.

OroraTech’s primary product is its Wildfire Solution, which utilizes thermal-infrared data from a constellation of satellites to detect and monitor wildfires globally.

This service is designed to provide timely alerts and continuous monitoring, helping clients from various sectors, including government agencies, NGOs, and commercial enterprises, to manage and mitigate wildfire risks effectively.

The company currently monitors over 160 million hectares of forest across six continents

The technology behind OroraTech’s services includes:

  • Nanosatellites: The company has launched its first satellite, FOREST-1, in January 2022, with plans to expand its fleet to 100 satellites. These satellites are equipped with thermal-infrared cameras that allow for real-time monitoring of forest temperatures and early detection of wildfires.

  • Data Integration: OroraTech’s platform integrates data from over 20 existing satellites, including those operated by NASA and ESA, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of wildfire detection.

  • AI and Machine Learning: The company employs advanced algorithms and machine learning models to analyze thermal data, providing actionable insights for fire risk assessment and damage evaluation.
pano AI logo

Pano AI

HQ Location
San Francisco, California. USA
Founded
2019
Num. of Employees
11-50
PANO logo

A California-based startup, Pano AI specializes in advanced wildfire detection and management technology. Founded in 2020 by Sonia Kastner and Arvind Satyam, the company aims to combat the increasing threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate change.

Pano AI’s innovative approach combines ultra-high-definition, 360-degree cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor landscapes for early signs of wildfires, enhancing response capabilities for various stakeholders, including government agencies, utilities, and private landowners.

Pano AI combines advanced technologies to enhance wildfire detection and management. Here are the key components of their technology:

  • Pano Stations: Pano AI’s hardware, known as Pano Stations, consists of ultra-high-definition, 360-degree cameras and edge computing devices.

    These stations are strategically mounted on high vantage points, allowing them to monitor large areas. The cameras capture images every minute and transmit this data to the cloud for analysis.

  • Artificial Intelligence: The core of Pano AI’s technology is its deep learning artificial intelligence platform. This AI analyzes the images captured by the cameras to detect, verify, and classify potential wildfire events automatically.

    The system can identify smoke and fire, providing rapid alerts to wildfire professionals, which helps to confirm fire incidents quickly and accurately.

  • Real-Time Alerts and Communication: Once a fire is confirmed, Pano AI’s system sends automatic alerts with precise location information to relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and fire departments.

    The platform also enables real-time viewing and triage of wildfire alerts, allowing for enhanced situational awareness among first responders.

  • Connectivity and Data Integration: Pano AI operates on both 4G and 5G networks, with 5G facilitating connectivity in remote areas and enabling video streaming capabilities.

    The system integrates data from various sources, including satellite imagery and field sensors, to provide a comprehensive overview of wildfire threats.

  • Pano Rapid Detect: The company’s flagship product, Pano Rapid Detect, combines all these elements into a single integrated platform designed for fire professionals.

    It provides actionable intelligence and situational awareness, helping to improve response times and effectiveness in wildfire management.
torchsensors_logo

Torch Sensors

HQ Location
San Francisco, California. USA
Founded
2020
Num. of Employees
2-10
torch homepage

A startup company based in California, Torch Sensors provides a comprehensive IoT and AI solution for early-stage outdoor fire and wildfire detection.

Torch Sensors solution consists of solar-powered sensors that continuously monitor an outdoor area for signs of fire and a free mobile app that immediately notifies users of any detected fires.

Each sensor device costs $299 and provides coverage for up to 10 acres. The sensors incorporate multiple infrared cameras, visible cameras, and gas sensors to detect fires early, even if they are not in the line of sight.

Here is a list of the technologies used by Torch Sensors for wildfire detection:

Multi-Sensor System

Infrared Cameras: Detect heat signatures to identify small fires.
Visible Cameras: Differentiate flames from surrounding light sources.
Gas Sensors: Measure smoke content and air quality for fire detection.

Artificial Intelligence

Analyzes sensor data to assess fire likelihood and reduce false alarms.

Solar-Powered Design

Self-sufficient sensors that recharge via solar panels for continuous operation.

Wireless Communication

Utilizes radio waves to form a mesh network for reliable notifications, even in remote areas.

Mobile Application

Provides real-time fire alerts and supports unlimited users and devices for collaborative monitoring.

overstory AI logo

Overstory

HQ Location
Amsterdam, Holland
Founded
2018
Num. of Employees
11-50
overstory homepage

Founded in 2018, Overstory is an Amsterdam-based climate tech startup. The company specializes in utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to address critical environmental challenges, particularly in mitigating wildfires and enhancing biodiversity.

Overstory has developed a vegetation intelligence platform that leverages satellite imagery and climate data to provide detailed insights into vegetation management, which is crucial for preventing wildfires and ensuring the reliability of electric utility operations.

How Overstory’s AI technology works:

  • Data Analysis: Overstory’s AI system processes satellite images to extract detailed information about vegetation, including the health, height, and species of trees and shrubs. This analysis helps in identifying areas where vegetation poses risks to power lines and increases the likelihood of wildfires.

  • Risk Assessment: The platform generates comprehensive risk assessments by evaluating the conditions of vegetation and its proximity to utility infrastructure. This allows utility companies to pinpoint which trees need to be pruned or removed to mitigate fire risks effectively.

    Optimization Recommendations: Overstory provides actionable insights and optimization guidelines for vegetation management. This includes recommendations for maintenance practices that can reduce fire hazards, ensuring that utility companies can make informed decisions based on real-time data.

    Integration with Existing Systems: The AI technology integrates seamlessly with the existing workflows of utility companies, enabling them to quickly identify high-risk areas along power lines. This capability allows for proactive measures to be taken before potential wildfire incidents occur.
burnbot logo

BurnBot

HQ Location
San Francisco, California, USA
Founded
2022
Num. of Employees
2-10
burnbot homepage

BurnBot is a technology-driven company founded in 2022, specializing in wildfire risk reduction solutions primarily aimed at the utilities and forestry sectors

BurnBot’s mission is to prevent destructive wildfires by scaling precise fuel treatment, aiming to treat over one million acres annually. The company employs a “LeanRX” approach, which integrates various technologies and operational practices tailored for effective fuel treatment.

This includes the use of mechanized systems that can operate under diverse conditions, enabling effective fire management even during challenging weather scenarios

Here is an overview of the technology used by Burnbot: 

  • RX1 Mobile Burn Chamber: The RX1 operates as a mobile burn chamber that  uses three rows of propane torches to incinerate vegetation in a controlled manner. It is towed by a remote-controlled vehicle, similar to a tractor, allowing for maneuverability across various terrains.

  • Controlled Burning Mechanism: The RX1 features a sophisticated flame containment system that includes:
  • Propane Torches: These can be finely controlled for flame length and temperature, enabling precise burning.

  • Airflow Management: Large fans draw air out from the chamber, creating an inward airflow that maintains flame containment and enhances combustion efficiency by oxygenating the flame. This process allows for high-temperature burning, which reduces smoke output.

firemaps logo

Firemaps

HQ Location
San Francisco, California, USA
Founded
2020
Num. of Employees
2-10
firemaps homepage

Firemaps operates on a model that does not charge homeowners directly for mapping services in high-risk areas. Instead, it generates revenue through contractor fees and aims to streamline the process of home hardening, which can often take months into a matter of weeks. The company claims that its interventions can reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes by up to 90%

Founded in 2020 by Jahan Khanna and his team, which includes experienced professionals from Uber and Postmates, Firemaps leverages drone technology and satellite imagery to create detailed 3D maps of properties in high-risk fire zones.

Here is an overview of the technology used by Firemaps: 

  • Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning: Firemaps utilizes satellite imagery combined with machine learning algorithms to conduct preliminary risk assessments for properties located in high-risk fire zones. This initial analysis helps identify properties that require further evaluation and intervention.

  • Drone Technology: For homes identified as high risk, Firemaps deploys handheld drones to create detailed 3D maps of the property. These maps capture critical features such as landscape, topography, and structural vulnerabilities with high precision, measuring details to within 1 centimeter. This technology allows for rapid and accurate assessments of the property’s fire risk profile.

  • 3D Mapping and Risk Assessment: The 3D mapping generated by the drones is used to develop comprehensive wildfire defense plans. These plans consider local fire department recommendations and homeowner insurance requirements, ensuring that the proposed measures align with regulatory standards.
chooch_logo

Chooch

HQ Location
San Mateo, California, USA
Founded
2015
Num. of Employees
51-200
chooch homepage

Chooch, a Silicon Valley-based startup, has developed an AI-powered computer vision platform to help detect and monitor wildfires in California.

The company’s solutions leverage advanced machine learning algorithms and generative AI to accurately identify smoke and fire in real-time, even in challenging conditions like bad weather or dirty camera lenses.

Chooch employs a sophisticated combination of computer vision and generative AI technologies to monitor wildfire activity effectively. Here are the key components of their system:

  • Computer Vision Platform: Chooch’s AI Vision platform automates the monitoring of thousands of existing fire surveillance cameras. It utilizes models trained with billions of parameters to detect smoke and fire with high accuracy. 

  • Generative AI Integration: The integration of generative AI allows Chooch to enhance its detection capabilities significantly. This technology helps in analyzing images and creating descriptions that assist in identifying smoke and fire amidst challenging conditions, such as fog or dirty camera lenses. This has led to a dramatic reduction in false positives from around 2,000 per week to just eight.

  •  Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: Chooch’s platform provides real-time alerts to first responders through dashboards accessible on smartphones and PCs. When smoke or fire is detected, the system sends alerts containing images and location data, enabling faster and more accurate responses.

  • Machine Learning Algorithms: The system employs advanced machine learning algorithms that continuously learn to distinguish between smoke, clouds, and other atmospheric conditions. This capability allows for the identification of fire risks in under one minute, making it a critical tool for wildfire management.

  • Deployment Flexibility: Chooch’s technology is camera-agnostic and can be deployed on various platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and fixed cameras. This flexibility allows for widespread implementation across diverse geographical areas, enhancing the overall wildfire detection network.
cornea logo

Cornea

HQ Location
Washington, DC
Founded
2018
Num. of Employees
11-50
cornea homepage

Cornea employs machine learning to analyze local environmental factors and historical fire data, helping incident command teams make informed decisions about resource deployment and strategic responses.

The service aims to provide real-time data and actionable insights to improve decision-making during wildfire incidents, addressing the increasing severity and complexity of wildfires exacerbated by climate change.

Here’s an overview of the key technologies utilized by Cornea:

Machine Learning:
Cornea employs machine learning algorithms to analyze large datasets and transform complex fire science into actionable insights, enabling real-time fire behavior modeling and improved decision-making for wildfire management.

Predictive Analytics: The service integrates predictive analytics to assess fire risks based on current environmental factors and historical data, helping forecast potential fire spread and impacts to enhance response strategies.

Data Integration: Cornea’s system incorporates data from various sources, including satellite imagery, ground-based sensors, and weather data, to enhance situational awareness and provide a comprehensive view of ongoing wildfire incidents.

Incident Intelligence Tools: The platform features incident intelligence tools that aggregate and visualize data to support decision-making tailored for multiple stakeholders at different levels of responsibility.

Fire Behavior Analytics: Cornea provides real-time fire behavior analytics, modeling fire dynamics to help users understand fire development during active incidents, crucial for planning and risk mitigation.

Remote Sensing Technologies: While specific details are not provided, the broader context suggests that Cornea likely utilizes thermal and optical sensors to detect heat signatures and monitor fire progression from aerial platforms, enhancing detection accuracy.

Customizable Data Solutions: Cornea’s platform allows for tailored data analysis, enabling users to customize insights according to their specific needs and operational contexts, vital for effective wildfire management across different scenarios.

kettle logo

Kettle

HQ Location
Hamilton. Bermuda
Founded
2020
Num. of Employees
11-50
kettle homepage

Kettle is a company focused on providing insurance and reinsurance solutions specifically designed to address the challenges posed by climate change. The company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to enhance its underwriting processes and risk assessments.

Kettle operates primarily in the commercial property insurance and reinsurance sectors, targeting property owners in areas vulnerable to catastrophic climate events such as wildfires and hurricanes.

Machine Learning Models: Kettle has developed multiple machine learning models to predict wildfire risks. 

Data Utilization: The company processes over 130 terabytes of data from various sources, including satellite imagery, weather patterns, real estate data, and utility information. This extensive dataset allows Kettle to extract around 70 risk indicators and simulate millions of wildfire scenarios, significantly enhancing the accuracy of their risk assessments.

Swarm Neural Networks: Kettle employs swarm neural networks to improve its underwriting processes. This technology helps in better understanding and predicting the complex behaviors of climate-related risks, allowing for more precise pricing and risk management.

Predictive Analytics: By leveraging predictive analytics, Kettle can provide a high-definition view of risk, ensuring that property owners receive fair pricing based on comprehensive assessments of their specific situations.

iq firewatch logo

IQ Firewatch

HQ Location
Berlin, Germany
Founded
1999
Num. of Employees
11-50
iq firewatch homepage

IQ FireWatch is an advanced wildfire detection system developed by IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH, based in Berlin, Germany. This innovative technology has been in continuous development for over 20 years and is recognized for its effectiveness in detecting wildfires early, significantly enhancing fire management capabilities.

This company stands out in the field of wildfire detection due to its sophisticated technology, extensive research backing, and proven operational history. Its ability to detect fires early can significantly mitigate the risks associated with wildfires, making it a critical asset for fire management agencies globally.

IQ FireWatch utilizes several advanced technologies to enable early and accurate wildfire detection:

  • Multi-Spectral Sensor: The system’s core is a multi-spectral sensor that incorporates multiple optical units. This combination allows the system to cover a spectral range of 400-1100 nm, which is broader than conventional methods. This enables detection of smoke and fire under various conditions, including at night and in challenging weather.

  • AI and Feature-Based Algorithms: IQ FireWatch integrates artificial intelligence with traditional feature-based detection algorithms to improve the accuracy and speed of smoke detection. The system processes data on-site, allowing for immediate alerts to a command and control center.

  • High-Resolution Sensors: The system uses high-resolution still sensors calibrated for long-term operation. The optical system is designed to localize smoke plumes even at great distances precisely.

  • Real-Time Synchronized Analysis: The multi-spectral sensors perform synchronized analysis of the scene in real-time. This allows the system to operate continuously, performing a full 360° revolution every 4-6 minutes during the day and every 9-12 minutes at night.
rain logo

Rain

HQ Location
Alameda, California
Founded
2019
Num. of Employees
11-50
rain homepage

Rain Technologies, headquartered in Alameda, California, is a pioneering company focused on wildfire suppression through the use of autonomous aircraft. Founded in 2019,

Rain has developed a unique wildfire intelligence system that enables military and civil aircraft to rapidly detect, understand, and combat wildfires during their early stages.

This technology is designed to preposition aircraft in high-risk areas, allowing for swift deployment as soon as a fire ignition is detected, which can significantly reduce response times and improve containment efforts

Rain Technologies uses advanced autonomous aircraft technology to enhance wildfire suppression efforts.

  • Autonomous Aircraft: Rain adapts existing military and civil aircraft with advanced software that allows them to perceive, understand, and suppress wildfires autonomously. This capability enables the prepositioning of aircraft in remote areas, significantly reducing response times when a fire is detected.
  • Early Detection Integration: The system relies on a network of early detection sensors, including fire watch cameras and satellites, to identify potential wildfire ignitions. Rain’s technology can quickly dispatch an autonomous helicopter to the coordinates these sensors provide, allowing it to assess the fire’s behavior and develop a suppression strategy.
  • Advanced Suppression Techniques: The aircraft are equipped with thermal cameras and computer vision technology, enabling them to deploy fire retardants accurately. Rain’s software creates an optimal suppression strategy by considering the resources and arrival times of additional responding aircraft.
  • Collaboration with Fire Professionals: Rain’s technology has been developed closely with input from fire professionals, ensuring that it meets the practical needs of firefighting operations.
  • Demonstrated Efficacy: Recent demonstrations, including collaborations with Sikorsky, have shown that Rain’s autonomous systems can effectively locate and suppress fires autonomously, marking a significant advancement in wildfire response capabilities. 

In Summary – Working Together for Wildfire Prevention

As climate change continues to exacerbate wildfire risks, ongoing research and development in this field is vital.

We must invest in and support these companies and others like them. This fosters an innovative environment that can adapt to our changing world and evolving wildfire threats.

By combining shared insights with various technologies, we can improve wildfire management. These technologies include satellite monitoring, IoT sensors, and drone-based firefighting solutions. This multi-layered approach will enhance our ability to combat the threat of runaway fires more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What data is important when fighting forest fires?

When fighting forest fires, crucial data includes real-time information on wildfire activity and burn areas from satellite imagery and ground sensors, as well as weather conditions like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation that influence fire behavior.

Additionally, understanding vegetation types, density, and moisture content helps assess fire risk, while identifying populated areas and critical infrastructure at risk allows for prioritization of protection efforts.

Historical fire data also plays a vital role in recognizing trends and patterns, enabling more effective prevention and response strategies. Integrating these data sources into fire management plans enhances preparedness and resilience against wildfires.

What future trends are expected in wildfire management technology?

Future trends may include advancements in drone technology for real-time monitoring, AI-driven predictive modeling for fire behavior, and enhanced community engagement through mobile apps that provide fire alerts and safety information

How do wildfires contribute to climate change?

Wildfires release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions from wildfires can exceed those from fossil fuel use, highlighting the need for effective wildfire management strategies

References

Our World In Data: Wildfires

World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Fires, Forests & The Future

World Resources Institute: The Latest Data Confirms: Forest Fires Are Getting Worse

ESSD Copernicus: State of Wildfires 2023–2024

IDGA: Wildfire Management Market Report 2023-2028

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