8 blazing new technologies that could spark change in wildfire risk reduction
Wildfires are surging in frequency and intensity, posing new threats to ecosystems, communities and economies around the globe. The impacts of climate change are escalating, compounded by urban expansion into fire-prone areas; but there are also new tools and technologies that can assist in mitigating wildfire risks.
These eight cutting-edge technologies have the potential to revolutionize wildfire risk reduction strategies. Artificial intelligence plays a part in many of these innovations - we have published a separate article examining how AI is igniting change in wildfire risk reduction and management. From advanced predictive modelling to real-time satellite monitoring and drone technology, these innovations could greatly enhance capabilities in early detection, rapid response, and proactive management of wildfire events.
Every situation has its own unique characteristics and challenges, and these technologies are additional tools in the wildfire risk-reduction and management arsenal, that could enable firefighters, emergency responders, and policymakers to make informed decisions and act on them swiftly and effectively.
1. Detecting wildfires from space
Satellite surveillance be employed to to quickly and accurately detect wildfires, with some help from AI pattern recognition to rapidly crunch through the data. By deploying mini satellites into low orbit, German startup OroraTech captures thermal images of Earth, especially at night when traditional aerial drones are less effective. This advanced technology was an important tool during wildfires in central Chile and northern Alberta, Canada, swiftly detecting fires in remote areas before they spread extensively.
CEO Thomas Gruebler emphasizes the efficiency of their satellite algorithms, which not only detect fires rapidly but also consider environmental factors like vegetation and humidity. This capability allows firefighting agencies to prioritize resources effectively, focusing on wildfires with the potential to escalate into large-scale megafires. OroraTech aims to build its capacity by expanding its satellite network, with plans to deploy more satellites in the coming years.
Discover how satellites fight wildfires
2. Smart risk maps give 80% accuracy in Türkiye
An interactive wildfire risk map - developed using AI and machine learning drawing on historical, meteorological, and geographical data - achieves an 80% accuracy rate in predicting wildfires 24 hours before they occur, giving authorities crucial time to prepare and respond proactively.
The pilot FireAId initiative aims to reduce wildfire risk in Türkiye involves a global community, including Microsoft, Google, NASA, and others, to enhance wildfire prediction and prevention using vast datasets. Beyond Türkiye, the initiative promotes global knowledge exchange and the integration of emerging technologies like drones in wildfire management.
3. A network of cameras to monitor wildfire risk
A comprehensive network of over 1,000 wildfire monitoring cameras employs advanced sensor arrays provides real-time, actionable data on wildfires, floods, and other natural hazards across the state.
UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia program represents a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering California's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
This programme monitors immediate threats while improving understanding of the enduring impacts of disasters on California's air, water, soil quality, and public health. Through enhanced data collection, analysis, and dissemination, ALERTCalifornia seeks to enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems against the escalating risks posed by climate-driven disasters. This initiative empowers emergency responders, policymakers, and the public with critical insights and tools necessary for effective disaster mitigation, response, and recovery.
Explore ALERTCalifornia's Impact
4. Local knowledge bolsters spatial analytics
The integration of machine learning into statistical modeling is transforming wildfire management. These technologies allow firefighters to predict fire behaviour and allocate resources strategically before wildfires occur. Tools like the Suppression Difficulty Index (SDI) and Potential Operational Delineations (PODs) combine local knowledge with spatial analytics to plan fire control strategies proactively.
The PODs tool integrates local firefighting expertise with sophisticated spatial analytics to enable teams to strategize fire response even before incidents occur. By overlaying various statistical models, such as the SDI, onto regional maps, fire managers and communities can pre-emptively outline control lines and operational strategies.
While advanced analytical tools like PODs enhance decision-making by reducing uncertainty, firefighting remains inherently personal. Under stress, individuals may struggle to process complex data independently - but this tool can help firefighters to make more informed choices under difficult conditions.
Learn about cutting-edge fire management
5. Mobile phone signal data track evacuation behaviour
A new research tool uses GPS data to predict wildfire evacuation behaviour. This tool, developed by an international team led by University of Florida and University of Canterbury researchers, tracks people's movements before and during wildfires, providing insights into when evacuations start, which routes are chosen, and who ignores official warnings.
By combining GPS data with qualitative insights, emergency managers can better prepare for future wildfires, improving response strategies and resource allocation. This technology offers potential applications beyond wildfires, such as tsunami evacuations, highlighting its role in enhancing disaster preparedness and community safety.
6. Remote sensing can detect and monitor wildfires - undeterred by smoke or darkness
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a remote sensing technology with robust capabilities in detecting and monitoring wildfires, overcoming limitations of traditional optical sensors which struggle with smoke and nighttime conditions. Pioneered by researchers at The Ohio State University, SAR provides high-resolution, real-time data on terrain conditions, helping to predict fire behaviour and assess risks more accurately.
SAR can be used day and night, ensuring continuous monitoring and timely response planning. Dustin Horton, leading the research, emphasizes the critical role of SAR in enhancing wildfire management strategies and protecting vulnerable communities. Their ongoing work integrates SAR into predictive models to bolster early warning systems, ultimately aiming to mitigate the devastating impacts of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires.
Explore SAR's wildfire applications
7. Mobile Doppler radar can see through the smoke to give a 3D view inside a fire
A mobile Doppler radar could revolutionize wildfire management amid Australia's escalating bushfire crisis. Researchers are working on a radar, akin to those used in meteorology, to monitor ash particles, embers, and insects within smoke plumes, offering a 3D view inside fires. The technology, being trialled researchers at Monash University, provides real-time insights into fire behaviours such as unexpected winds and ember movements.
Successful trials during controlled burns in Western Australia demonstrate its efficacy in early hazard detection. The mobile radar has an advantage over existing tools like satellites and fixed radars, as they are hindered less by smoke or limited observation windows[MF1] [AT2] . Major fire agencies are optimistic about integrating this radar into their toolkits to enhance decision-making and community safety during wildfires, aiming for operational deployment within a few years.
Explore the power of radar technology
8. Drones detect wildfires before they escalate
A proactive approach to wildfire management uses internet-connected ground sensors and drone technology to monitor temperature, humidity, and wind speed in high-risk areas.
When conditions indicate elevated wildfire risk, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras and chemical sensors are deployed to detect fires before they escalate.
This integrated approach, developed by scientists of the University of California, Davis, aims to improve firefighter safety, reduce wildfire damage, and enhance response times by circumventing the limitations of current visual detection methods - which occurs reactively, once smoke appears.
By combining ground sensors, UAV patrols, and other monitoring technologies, this initiative seeks to establish a robust wildfire prediction and detection system that could give alerts much earlier, potentially saving lives and mitigating environmental and economic impacts of wildfires.
Dive into UAV wildfire detection
These examples of new hi-tech tools illustrate a transformative shift towards leveraging advanced technologies in wildfire management worldwide.
As global collaboration and technological innovations continue to evolve, the prospects for enhancing wildfire resilience and protecting vulnerable ecosystems and communities appear promising. Embracing these innovations will be crucial in navigating the increasingly complex challenges posed by wildfires in the face of climate change.
Discover how AI is igniting change in wildfire risk reduction and management [link]
Discover more resources on wildfire technologies
Explore our wildfire series
Igniting change: 5 AI innovations to help extinguish wildfire risks