GAO-25-108161 Wildfire Detection Technologies
Science, Technology Assessment,
and Analytics
SCIENCE & TECH SPOTLIGHT:
WILDFIRE DETECTION
TECHNOLOGIES
WHY THIS MATTERS
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and dangerous. Los
Angeles County reported at least 30 deaths from the 2025
wildfires, and property and economic losses could exceed
$130 billion. Earlier wildfire detection could save lives and
better protect communities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
» Wildfire detection technologies are evolving, with
improvements to satellites, sensors, and cameras.
» Researchers continue to refine wildfire detection
algorithms to more accurately detect wildfires.
» Open policy questions include how to manage large
amounts of data and how to balance deploying detection
technology with other fire prevention measures.
THE TECHNOLOGY
What are they? Wildfire detection technologies include
satellites, aircraft, drones, cameras, and sensors that collect
imagery or environmental data.
How do they work?
Satellites. Satellites can capture images indicating fire over
large areas. But image resolution is limited, clouds can interfere,
and data lags may occur.
Aircraft and drones. Agencies often deploy aircraft when a fire
is reported or suspected, and they are exploring the use of
drones for this purpose. Some utility companies use drones to
mitigate risk by inspecting downed power lines and tree
branches touching wires, which can cause fires.
Ground-based camera and sensor networks. Cameras near
wildlands can monitor for smoke or fire in real time. Sensors on
or near trees can look for changes in heat, humidity, or fine
particulate solids that may indicate a fire. Cameras and sensors
can be arranged in networks within areas of high fire risk, which
may enable faster detection and response.
Data from these technologies can be analyzed by algorithms
and human staff, with fire responders dispatched as needed
(see figure).
Figure 1: Current and Emerging Wildfire Detection Technologies
How mature are they? U.S. government satellites have been
used to detect wildfires for decades. But they were not designed
for this purpose. Their altitudes and older sensors can make it
hard for them to detect small fires before they escalate.
Satellites have more often been used to track fire speed,
direction, and size. A private nonprofit group launched a pilot
satellite specifically for detecting wildfires in 2025. The group’s
