Sacha Lepretre’s Post

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

science is so cool! as long as risk mitigations are actioned. Implementing, maintaining, and exercising Business Continuity and crisis response is imperative to stay resilient.

Image of the Week! This week, we’re focusing on the devastating wildfire that started on January 7th in Los Angeles. The image, taken on January 11th by the AFR satellite, shows just how much damage the fire caused. This tragedy claimed several lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and left many families without a place to live. The attached GIF shows two views of the wildfire: one in false color and the other in natural color. The false-color image makes it easier to see key details like burned areas, active fire zones, and untouched vegetation. The natural-color image gives a more realistic view of the fire’s impact on the region. AFR imagery is incredibly useful for understanding the aftermath of disasters like this. It helps authorities see how much land was burnt and assess damage to roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. This information is essential for planning recovery and rebuilding efforts. The satellite also provides accurate data on fire-damaged areas, which helps speed up insurance claims and ensures the process is fair for those affected. Overall, AFR satellite imagery plays a critical role in managing fire hazards, assessing damage, supporting insurance claims, and improving disaster response efforts. #LosAngelesWildfire #AFRSatellite #DisasterResponse #Wildfire #SatelliteImagery #NaturalDisasters #LosAngeles #SatelliteTechnology #Azista #ABAFirstRunner #AFR #satellite #spaceindustry #SatelliteImaging #spaceexploration #space #spacetechnology #aerospaceindustries #makeinindia

🔥 Preventing the Blaze Before It Begins: Bushfire Prevention in Action 🔥 As firefighters, we know the best fire to fight is the one that never starts. Bushfire prevention is more than a seasonal concern—it’s a year-round responsibility. Here are some key strategies to reduce risks and protect our communities: 1. Fuel Reduction: Controlled burns to manage vegetation load. Clearing undergrowth near high-risk areas. 2. Community Education: Helping homeowners create defensible space around properties. Promoting bushfire survival plans tailored to local conditions. 3. Infrastructure Safeguards: Collaborating with urban planners to design fire-resilient developments. Maintaining firebreaks and access roads. 4. Leveraging Technology: Using satellite imagery and drones for early fire detection. Implementing AI-based fire spread prediction tools. Bushfire prevention starts with teamwork. Whether it’s working alongside landowners or harnessing the latest tools, every effort counts. Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other’s experiences. What prevention measures have made the most impact in your region? #BushfirePrevention #FireSafety #Teamwork

From underground pipeline risks to potential flood zones—Zurich's digital twin is changing how the city predicts and prevents infrastructure challenges. 🌍🔍Explore how 3D GIS transforms urban systems and saves resources:  https://lnkd.in/gveVaSD9

🔥 Mapping the Wildfire Impact in Los Angeles 🌍 On January 7, 2025, wildfires swept through the Palisades and Eaton regions of Los Angeles, burning over 35,000 acres, causing 27 fatalities, and damaging 9,000+ buildings. These fires left behind immense destruction, threatening both communities and ecosystems. Using satellite imagery and indices like NDVI, NBR, and dNBR, we analyzed vegetation loss and fire severity, creating detailed maps to highlight the most affected areas. This work aims to support recovery, guide restoration efforts, and enhance future wildfire prevention strategies. Geospatial technologies are transforming disaster management—making recovery smarter and communities safer. #GIS #WildfireImpact #RemoteSensing #DisasterManagement

Happy #FieldWorkFriday! This week, we traveled to Phoenix to identify sites for future wildfire detection cameras. We received a grant last year from FEMA to install 12 new cameras in southwest Oregon. These cameras will be deployed in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) – the zone of transition where the built environment meets the natural environment. Locating cameras in the WUI can help prevent or mitigate disasters like the 2020 Almeda Fire by enabling rapid detection and monitoring of wildfires close to populated areas. But first, we need to finalize the locations for the new cameras! This map shows proposed sites, with the red color symbolizing the viewshed that firefighters will be able to monitor through the camera feeds. We will begin installing cameras in Phoenix and other nearby communities as soon as all necessary permits and land-use agreements are executed. Learn more about this project at https://lnkd.in/gyW5Urba. Many thanks to the Rogue Valley Council of Governments for partnering with us on this project!

As hurricane season continues, it's crucial to be prepared! T. Baker Smith is at the forefront of disaster response with Terrestrial Laser Scanning technology. Here's why it's a game-changer: Rapid Data Collection: Quickly gather detailed 3D data of affected areas, essential for swift emergency responses. High Accuracy: Ensure precise damage assessment and strategic planning for rescue operations. Remote Operation: Operate scanners from a safe distance, reducing risks for responders in hazardous zones. Comprehensive Documentation: Generate thorough 3D models to aid in damage assessment, insurance claims, and reconstruction planning. Data Preservation: Capture a permanent record of disaster scenes, crucial for historical documentation and forensic analysis. At TBS, our technology enhances efficiency, safety, and informed decision-making during disaster aftermaths. Stay safe and prepared with TBS Terrestrial Laser Scanning solutions! #tbakersmith #oneTBS #empoweringpeople #enrichingcommunities

Innovation Takes Flight: Witness the Future of Emergency Response Our High-Volume Mobile Hydrant System Soars to New Heights What sounds like thunder, feels like an earthquake, and saves lives? Our game-changing innovation and offensive technology was showcased at the all-hazard demonstration. The air thrummed with anticipation. Then, a distant rhythm—the heartbeat of progress. Heads turned, searching. The sound swelled, vibrating through flesh and bone. Suddenly, it appeared—a metallic phoenix cutting through the sky. On Friday, we were able to show case how our high volume mobile hydrant system can be utilized defensively and offensively. This wasn't just a demonstration but an all-hazard demonstration showcasing flood mitigation, specialized rescue and the accessory based mobile-hydrant system. It was a glimpse into how we are upholding our mission to save lives, property, and the environment. Experience the innovation. Join us in our mission to protect what matters most. #OpenHouse #EmergencyInnovation #SaveLivesSaveEarth