In California, wildfires can ravage entire neighborhoods in the blink of an eye, leaving many homeowners to wonder if it could have been predicted. It’s a fair question that deserves further exploration as local families consider wildfire prevention solutions for their properties.
Here, we’ll discuss whether wildfires can be predicted, the technologies currently in use to anticipate wildfire events, and the available local resources to help enhance your property’s protection.
Can Wildfires Be Predicted?
The short answer is yes — wildfires can be predicted to some extent, allowing property owners to plan accordingly and make it to safety. However, it’s important to note that wildfire prediction with 100% certainty is incredibly challenging due to the complexity and dynamic nature of such events.
Scientists rely on several tools and techniques to assess and forecast wildfire risk to predict wildfires with the closest degree of accuracy.
Technologies Used To Predict Wildfires
Currently, wildfire predictions are made using many different tools, the most common of which include:
Artificial Intelligence
While this method is still in its relative infancy, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models to gauge wildfire threat levels is being explored by disaster management organizations throughout California and beyond.
AI has helped streamline the ability to process huge amounts of data related to fire events, including weather, topography, drought conditions, and other factors that can be used to forecast fire behavior.
Not only are AI technologies being used to anticipate wildfires, but they’re also used in the prevention, detection, and response management processes. AI-powered cameras, for instance, can detect smoke and fire symptoms better than the human eye, allowing them to more accurately assess the risk of a wildfire event.
Satellites
Both polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites have historically been used to anticipate the next wildfire event. Polar-orbiting satellites move around the earth at low altitudes to collect detailed imagery of smoke and fire threats several times throughout the day. By contrast, geostationary satellites conduct their orbits at a higher altitude.
Each type of satellite system can be employed to track and monitor wildfires as they collect information about the location, size, temperature, and duration of each potential threat.
Drones
Historically, firefighters used to rely on crewed aircrafts to detect and fight wildfires; however, this method comes with inherent risks that make it a more dangerous option.
Recent technological developments have enabled firefighters to use drone equipment instead to fight fires from the sky. These unmanned drones can be piloted remotely, reducing the risk of pilot error and mid-air collision.
Firefighting drones come with specialized technology, such as high-definition cameras with infrared and thermal imaging capabilities, that help them spot wildfires on the ground. They can use this information to intelligently generate terrain maps to help firefighters more easily navigate the affected area and deliver effective firefighting methods to prevent further spread and destruction.
Protect Your Property From Wildfire Embers
While disaster management organizations rely on high-tech solutions to predict and prevent wildfires, homeowners still need to ensure their properties have the prevention solutions they need to protect against fire damage.
At Brandguard Vents, our fire-rated vents offer the added layer of protection that California properties need to prevent stray wildfire embers from destroying their homes and businesses. From dormer and soffit vents to balcony and sub-flashing roof vents, we have the fire prevention systems your property needs to stay protected.
Request a quote for fire-rated vent installation for your California home or business by calling our team at 949-305-8059 today.
