According to data collected by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the leading global authority on environmental issues within the UN system, the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires have more than doubled globally over the past two decades. Research shows a direct correlation between these events and climate change. Projections indicate that extreme wildfires could increase by up to 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050, and 50% by the end of the century if current trends continue. In the United States alone, more than 80 million acres of land have been consumed by wildfires over the last 10 years.

Wildfire seasons vary across different regions of the United States. Typically, these seasons begin in early spring when temperatures rise, winds strengthen, and vegetation dries out. However, as was evident this past January, extreme wildfires can occur at any time. On January 7, 2025, a severe drought and strong Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds up to 100 mph, ignited one of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history.

More than 18,000 structures were destroyed, and 200,000 residents of the Los Angeles region were evacuated. The fires claimed the lives of 30 people and caused an estimated $135 billion to $275 billion in economic losses. Though tragic, events like these have inspired innovative thinkers to develop more effective methods for monitoring and controlling wildfires. Two such innovators are Germany’s Dryad Networks and Canada’s FireSwarm Solutions.

Founded in 2019 by Carsten Brinkschulte, Eike Marx, and Cherian Mathew, Dryad Networks has developed a dual-system approach to wildfire detection and response, combining ground-based sensors and drone technology, Silvanet and Silvaguard. Silvanet is a solar-powered IoT sensor network embedded in forests that continuously monitors for early signs of fire, such as sudden temperature changes and the presence of combustion gases.

When a potential ignition is detected, the Silvaguard drone system is automatically deployed from solar-powered hangars. These autonomous drones fly to the suspected site, capturing real-time thermal and optical imagery to verify and assess the threat. Brinkschulte explained that the system aims to be the fastest fire detection platform available. “It provides ultra early detection of wildfires within minutes from ignition using AI-driven sensors that are electronic noses,” he said, “and they can detect fires much faster than satellites or cameras.”

After losing their homes during Canada’s most destructive wildfire season in 2023, aerospace engineer Alex Deslauriers and communications expert Melanie Bitner reached out to David Thanh, a former wildfire warden, to share an idea for improving wildfire management. The trio went on to found FireSwarm Solutions, a platform designed to deploy swarms of ultra-heavy-lift drones for wildfire suppression. They are currently in the testing phase of the project, using Thunder Wasp drones built by ACC Innovations, a Swiss aerospace company.

According to FireSwarm, these ultra-heavy-lift, long-endurance, multipurpose drones can carry up to 880 pounds of fire suppressant at a time. FireSwarm prepares the drones to operate under extreme fire conditions and equips them with specialized sensors for detection. The drones are especially useful at night, when fires tend to intensify and firefighters are often grounded. Three of these drones can perform the same amount of work as a manned, medium-sized helicopter at a fraction of the cost, while enhancing safety and precision.

For Deslauriers, the mission is deeply personal, and he is excited to see the technology nearing deployment. “No one is addressing the problem the way we are, using heavy lift drones and installing sensors to suppress fires,” he said. “It’s a complete out-of-body experience to be honest. To be faced with a problem two years ago, to be able to bring an amazing team together and get to this point.”

As wildfires grow more frequent, destructive, and unpredictable, innovative solutions utilizing drone technology like those from Dryad Networks and FireSwarm Solutions offer a glimpse into a future where technology plays a central role in safeguarding lives, forests, and communities. These systems, rooted in personal experience, scientific advancement, and international collaboration, represent a critical shift from reactive to proactive wildfire management. While no single solution can eliminate the threat entirely, the integration of real-time data, automation, and aerial support is redefining how we detect, respond to, and ultimately control wildfires before they become disasters.

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