Innovating Fire Safety: Technology's Role in Combating Wildfires

Host Jared Asch discusses California’s summer fire season and how technology is changing wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery with Bowen Kyle (CTO/co-founder, Ladris) and Gadi Benjamini (co-founder, FireDome). Kyle describes Ladris software used by counties and cities for wildfire spread and evacuation simulations, planning documents like LHMPs and community wildfire protection plans, real-time decision support, and public communication; he cites Nevada County as an early partner and emphasizes year-round route and fuels-treatment prioritization. Benjamini explains FireDome’s autonomous, on-site hardware system for properties such as HOAs, vineyards, resorts, and utilities, using surveys, simulations, cameras, and “smart capsules” to deploy eco-friendly retardant, protect structures from embers, and suppress spot fires without relying on local water/power/communications, with testing planned in Sacramento. They stress complementary solutions, partnerships with fire services, interoperability and safety (including airspace deconfliction), and building credibility through compliance, demonstrations, and listening to first responders.