Inside the race to spot wildfires before they spiral out of control

In 1910, a series of fires in the northwestern U.S., fueled by lightning and human activity, merged into a massive blaze known as the “Big Blowup,” which remains the largest forest fire in U.S. history. This disaster highlighted the need for improved wildfire detection and response. Today, climate change and human expansion into wild areas have increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Advances in technology are now aiding in early fire detection, a crucial step in preventing such disasters. The U.S. Forest Service’s early efforts included building fire towers equipped with Osborne Fire Finders to locate fires. Modern programs like ALERTCalifornia are enhancing these efforts with new technologies, aiming to better manage and mitigate wildfire risks. QUESTION: How might advancements in technology change the way we respond to natural disasters in the future?