Startups Helping Tackle Wildfires

Wildfires, also known as forest fires or bushfires, can be devastatingly destructive to the forests and grasslands that they envelop.

Particularly in dry, hot climates, these fires can start based on a number of reasons, from lightening to human activities and more.

Like all fires, they spread quickly. Especially in dry areas which make for good kindling. These fires can destroy wildlife, property and even harm people, making them a considerable threat in many countries.

The Impact Of Wildfires

Every year, a number of countries globally experience wildfires in areas such as forests, grasslands and savannas.

And it’s only getting worse. climate change is expected to increase the frequency of these wildfires, with statistics saying that the number of extreme fires could rise by up to 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050, and 50% by the end of the century.

This is heightened by factors like droughts and higher temperatures, which contribute to drier land.

But wildfires are not only destructive directly, they also have long-term impacts. Wildfires globally add around 5 to 8 billion tonnes of CO2 each year to the atmosphere, making climate change quicker. A vicious circle.

The Impact On Humans

Wildfires are not only dangerous to encounter, they can also affect those further afield.

Smoke from wildfires has been known to travel long distances, negatively affecting air quality and contributing to the development of respiratory issues.

In fact, according to The Guardian, the 2019–2020 Australian bushfires were believed to cause 445 human deaths due to smoke inhalation​.

Startups Tackling Wildfires

As wildfires have become a growing threat, a number of startups have popped up promising innovative solutions.

Here’s a look at some key players in the space:

IQAir: Air Quality Monitoring

IQAir is an air purifying technology company that helps people monitor the air that they breathe.

Their technology helps communities track pollution levels quickly, which is important during and directly after wildfires.

This data can help people protect themselves from harmful smoke and pollutants.

Drone Amplified: Aerial Firefighting

Drone Amplified uses drones to support firefighters during wildfires.

These drones can be used to drop fire prevention materials and assess the spread of fire in real time.

By providing support from the air remotely, Drone Amplified is a safer option for helping to control and extinguish wildfires.

Pano AI: Wildfire Detection Technology

Pano AI uses AI to detect and manage wildfires.

Their systems monitor areas to help detect and warn of any wildfire risks, catching them before they come out of hand.

By alerting authorities early, Pano AI can help countries respond more quickly and get the fires under control in their early stages.

BurnBot: Controlled Burns

BurnBot prevents wildfires through controlled burns, a technique used to prevent wildfires . Their technology means that these controlled burns are done safely, by burning excess land that could fuel wildfires.

This approach helps reduce the number of fire-prone areas and decreases the likelihood of uncontrolled wildfires.

Dryad Networks: Forest Monitoring Sensors

Dryad Networks uses sensors to monitor forests for any risks.

These sensors can detect early signs of wildfires, such as heat and smoke, and send alerts to authorities.

By using early detection, Dryad Networks helps get fire fighters on the scene faster to reduce the destruction of land.

Conclusion

As wildfires continue to be a problem worldwide, these companies are using technology and innovation to combat this threat.

With more tech at our disposal, we can hope for a future where wildfires are less destructive and communities are better prepared to face them.