GlobalSpec’s Post

Tracking the Progress of the LA Wildfires Through Satellite Imagery The recent wildfires near Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles have been monitored using The Nusantara Atlas by The TreeMap with Sentinel 2 satellite imagery, providing crucial insights into the dynamics of the fires. This advanced satellite technology has captured infrared images that reveal the intense progression and subsequent management of the fire. We can observe the following - Ignition Point: On January 7th, the initial ignition was detected, marked by a thermal hotspot glowing intensely due to temperatures around 900 degrees Celsius. This hotspot was a clear indicator of an active fire, emitting a significant amount of infrared radiation. Fire Spread and Extinguishment: By January 12th, the area affected by the fire is highlighted in red to dark red tones in the satellite images, indicating charred and extinguished vegetation. At this stage, no active fire hotspots were detectable, suggesting that the fire had been brought under control. The use of infrared imaging is pivotal in understanding wildfire behavior, enabling firefighters and disaster response teams to react more effectively. These images not only help in tracking the spread but also in planning the recovery and reforestation efforts post-fire. As we reflect on the impact of these fires, our thoughts are with those affected. The images from Pacific Palisades serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of wildfires.

Very well put Josh Wilkins. "Let's shift our focus from expecting AI to "save the day" to understanding its role in supporting our collective efforts." And this can be expanded to the much broader fight against #climatechange too. Let's shift our focus from expecting ANY TECH to save the day, to understanding its role in supporting our collective efforts. We're not going to tech ourselves out of this problem and miraculously invent something that enables us to continue consuming everything and not replenishing anything. So this includes a collective effort to reign in our constant need for consumption for consumption's sake. For anyone interested in the idea of "Managing without growth: slower by design, NOT #disaster" I highly recommend checking out PETER VICTOR's work. https://lnkd.in/gDuft3uv Not too late to start now, never stop learning! UBC Master of International Forestry

In my 27 years as a fire captain and now as a wildfire technology advisor, I've never seen technology generate as much buzz - and misunderstanding - as AI camera systems have in the wake of the Southern California fires. Let's set the record straight: These AI systems aren't failing us. They're doing exactly what they're designed to do - provide early warning and reduce response times. They've effectively replaced our old fire tower system, offering broader coverage at a fraction of the cost. But here's the crucial point: No technology exists that can detect AND extinguish wildfires on its own. Wildfire management still requires the expertise of trained professionals and specialized equipment. The recent fires were extreme events - think hurricanes or tornadoes - where nature holds the upper hand. While we can't control these events as they unfold, we can prepare. Just as we have building codes for earthquake-prone areas, we need to focus on wildfire-resistant construction and vegetation management in at-risk regions. AI is a powerful tool, but it's just one in our wildfire management toolkit. It enhances situational awareness and supports decision-making for everyone from first responders to policymakers. Apps like Watch Duty are putting this data directly into people's hands, enabling informed action during critical moments. As someone who's faced wind-driven fires, I can attest: they're nearly unstoppable. But with better information and preparation, we can mitigate their impact. The solution to our wildfire crisis isn't solely technological. It's a combination of innovative tools, human expertise, and community action. We all have a role to play: Evaluate your home's vulnerability, manage surrounding vegetation, and create defensible spaces. Let's shift our focus from expecting AI to "save the day" to understanding its role in supporting our collective efforts. Together, we can build more resilient communities and better prepare for the wildfire challenges ahead. #WildfirePrevention #AIinFirefighting #CommunityResilience

Excellent post Josh Wilkins, early detection can (and has in many cases) certainly cut the reflex time for responding resources. An overwhelming resource response to keep fires small continues to be incredibly important. Technology is an increasingly important component of the mitigation of catastrophic wildfire but it will always need to be in combination with the firefighters (boots on the ground) that will ultimately extinguish the fires.

Policy makers, emergency managers, first responders, utility companies, and state legislatures should understand that AI-based wildfire indications and warning tools will not replace traditional wildfire detection and mitigation. At a minimum per unit cost of 50K (not including costly monitoring, maintenance, and upgrades), it is improbable that every mountain top, stream valley, electrical transmission line, and wildland urban interface will be continuously monitored by these systems. Wildfire indications and warning AI tools will never be the wished for panacea to climate change exacerbated wildfire events.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. To those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, or sense of security, we extend our deepest condolences. The impact of these fires is felt across the community, including among some of our own portfolio founders, advisors, and their families. Amid this crisis, we are incredibly proud of the work being done by Torch Systems one of Endurance28’s portfolio companies. Torch has been on the ground in LA, deploying wildfire detection sensors in high-risk areas, including Griffith Park, and providing real-time fire monitoring to firefighters, park rangers, and crisis response teams. Their sensors, capable of detecting flames and hotspots within minutes, are offering critical support to prevent re-ignition and mitigate further spread. Torch has also mobilized with independent network coverage to ensure seamless operations in areas where infrastructure has been impacted. The demand for Torch’s solutions has been immense, with community members, local authorities, and crisis response teams reaching out for additional deployments. This underscores the importance of innovative, accessible tools in addressing the growing threat of wildfires. If you or someone you know is on the front lines or in an area at risk, please reach out to Torch to see how they can help. To everyone affected by these fires, our hearts are with you. #AmbitiousRebels #Endurance28 #WildfireDetection #Innovation #TorchSensors #Impact #WildfireResponse #TorchSensors #WildfirePrevention

The need to effectively detect, suppress & prevent wildfires has become apparent as they continue to devastate communities across the globe. This report reviews overall trends in the global wildfire market. Unprecedented surges in wildfire disasters globally have produced an exceptional emphasis on the need to effectively predict, prevent, and mitigate wildfires. This necessary urgency is critically important to prevent the loss of lives, damage to property, infrastructure, and ecosystems. After devastating fire seasons over the past few years observed in California, Colorado, Canada, Australia, and across Europe, agencies across the national, state, and local levels are adopting appropriate prevention and management technologies and countermeasures. Numerous U.S. states and the federal government are increasing budgets to respond to the growing risk of wildfires to ensure that wildfire agencies are equipped with the latest tools and innovations in the field. This report discusses: • A global perspective of nations wildfire management systems and their pivotal strategies for detection, suppression, and prevention. • Developments in technology including Artificial Intelligence, Fire Urgency Estimator in Geosynchronous Orbit (FUEGO), drones, robots, and advanced cameras. • This Market Report provides insights into how nations across the world are addressing the wildfire crisis and navigating the path towards more effective management strategies. #wildfire IDGA Justin Ederheimer Gadi Benjamini

This year's wildfire season has already taken a devastating toll, with over 5 million acres burned across the US (National Interagency Fire Center). 🔥🌳 This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to prevent and combat out-of-control wildfires. Early detection is critical in preventing such widespread destruction. What's the quickest way to detect wildfires? Sensors. 👉 Learn more about AI-powered wildfire detection: https://hubs.ly/Q02LxBSz0 Let's work together to protect our forests and communities. #wildfires #climatechange #forestconservation

The devastating Los Angeles fires of January 2025 have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed over 10,000 structures at the time of this post, leaving countless families displaced and communities shattered. My heart goes out to all those affected. https://lnkd.in/gd4d4bmc Technology and Innovation as a Path Forward While we mourn these losses, we must also look to solutions that can prevent such catastrophic events in the future. Several promising technologies and approaches are emerging and I would love to learn about more: Autonomous Firefighting Drones Carnegie Mellon University is set to launch AI-powered firefighting drones in 2025 that can navigate through smoke and provide critical real-time terrain data. These drones could revolutionize our approach to wildfire detection and suppression. https://lnkd.in/gYieDsuZ Advanced Building Materials New fire-resistant materials and construction techniques are becoming available, including terra-cotta cladding, mineral wool insulation, and innovative fire-retardant plywood. The 2025 building codes are already incorporating stricter standards for fire resistance. https://lnkd.in/gF3QAUr8 https://lnkd.in/ghGRXtMQ Smart Urban Forest Management Companies like TreeSense and Grality are developing sophisticated monitoring systems that use AI and sensors to manage urban forests more effectively, potentially helping prevent fire spread in urban-wildland interfaces. https://lnkd.in/gW4qFMRT https://lnkd.in/gCrUQZDU Who else is building solutions in these areas? Who's funding them? I’d love to learn more and potentially collaborate. While the Los Angeles fires of January 2025 expose critical gaps in wildfire prevention infrastructure, they also present clear opportunities for technological innovation and policy reform in four key areas: smart firefighting systems, fire-resistant construction, infrastructure modernization, and urban forest management. However, these solutions require immediate action and investment to prevent future catastrophes in the wildland-urban interface. Let’s make this fire the last of its kind. To Los Angeles and all affected communities: may your rebuild be swift and may these innovations help create a more resilient future. Godspeed, LA. #LAFires #CommunityResilience #Innovation #ClimateAction #WildfirePrevention

🌪️ The recent devastating tornadoes in Nebraska and Iowa underscore the critical need for disaster preparedness. Aerial images show the extensive impact, reminding us that readiness can significantly mitigate such effects: https://ow.ly/jxmN50RskEL #TornadoPreparedness #EmergencyPreparedness #NaturalDisaster #CommunityResilience #DisasterResponse