Wildfires are growing in frequency and intensity due to several factors including prolonged droughts, unattended campfires, and expanding development in fire-prone areas. In response, both public agencies and utility providers are turning to innovative technologies, many built for prevention, detection, and suppression.
Here’s a look at the new and emerging toolsets that are transforming how we combat wildfires:
Machine learning models now forecast fire risk with greater accuracy. These tools analyze weather patterns, topography, fuel loads, and historical burn data to predict where and when fires might occur.
Thermal-equipped UAVs are being deployed for real-time fire detection, perimeter monitoring, and post-burn analysis—all without risking human lives.
IoT sensors deployed in the field can detect smoke, rapid temperature rises, or changes in humidity—triggering early alerts before flames are even visible.
High-resolution satellite imagery now offers rapid heat detection across vast landscapes. Platforms like NASA FIRMS and commercial providers give near-real-time updates.
Utilities are replacing traditional wood poles with composite, steel, or concrete poles that can better withstand wildfire heat. These poles not only improve grid resilience but also help prevent powerline-sparked fires.
Why it matters: In many wildfire-prone regions, damaged or downed poles are a leading cause of ignition.
Utilities, municipalities, and large landowners are using mobile trailers equipped with high-pressure water tanks, foam, and pump systems. These trailers allow rapid response teams to suppress spot fires near substations, utility corridors, or infrastructure before they escalate.
Bonus: Some trailers can be stationed at high-risk zones and deployed instantly—reducing response time in remote areas.
From bulldozing firebreaks to hosing down hotspots, autonomous ground robots are being developed to operate where it’s unsafe for human crews.
Digital replicas of landscapes and infrastructure allow teams to simulate fire events and plan mitigation efforts based on predictive modeling.
Modern utility management platforms integrate vegetation data, inspection history, live weather, and asset risk scoring to support smarter decisions—like whether to proactively shut off power or deploy crews.
Technology can’t prevent every fire—but it can help stop them from becoming catastrophic. From AI-powered forecasts to fire-resistant utility poles and mobile suppression trailers, today’s wildfire tech is about speed, accuracy, and smarter decisions at every level.
Utilities and local governments that adopt these tools are better prepared to protect lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems in the face of increasingly destructive fire seasons.
Ensight Plus supports utilities and municipalities with tools that enhance wildfire preparedness, asset visibility, and field response coordination. Contact us today to schedule a demo and see how we can help your team stay ready.
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