Wildfires have become an escalating global crisis. Lately, it has created devastating situations in regions like Australia, the Amazon, and the United States.
To mitigate damage, Google has joined forces with satellite manufacturer Muon Space to launch FireSat, which is a technologically advanced satellite for tracking wildfires faster and more accurately than ever before.
Google has launched the first FireSat satellite which will help detect and track wildfires (as small as 5×5 meters) using AI. pic.twitter.com/VB1EVDYZIh
— Dr Singularity (@Dr_Singularity) March 17, 2025
Wildfire Detection With FireSat AI Technology
Traditional wildfire detection methods mostly rely on low-resolution satellite imagery and infrequent updates, which makes it difficult for the authorities to identify small fires before they spiral out of control.
FireSat, however, adopts different approaches that can change the game. FireSat aims to detect blazes as small as 270 square feet (roughly the size of a classroom) within just 20 minutes.
Chris Van Arsdale, a climate and energy expert at Google, acknowledged the issue of distinguishing between actual wildfires and environmental “noise” such as smokestacks. “Differentiating between real fires and random ‘noise’ in the environment was a challenge,” he said.
To develop an efficient AI model, the team conducted controlled experiments. This includes sensor testing from a plane that successfully detected a small backyard fire.
What sets FireSat apart is its ability to analyze satellite imagery in real-time, which uses AI to compare current conditions against historical data. Factors like local weather patterns and infrastructure help the system accurately predict wildfire risks. With over 50 satellites planned for deployment by 2030, FireSat’s data will contribute to a comprehensive global fire model.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/tech/googles-new-ai-tech-may-know-when-your-house-burn-down
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