The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection joined state, federal, and private-sector leaders at the 2025 Red Sky Summit, where CAL FIRE announced a new program focused on innovation and unveiled its first challenge – the Global Space-Based Data Challenge.
Scott Gregory, CAL FIRE’s Deputy Director of Technology, was at the summit to introduce the newly formed Fire Innovation Unit within CAL FIRE and to announce the winners of the Challenge.
“The Fire Innovation Unit was established to drive forward-thinking technological advancements and innovative solutions that strengthen California’s firefighting capabilities and overall resilience,” said Deputy Director Gregory.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies, the FIU is poised to revolutionize how CAL FIRE combats wildfires—making operations more efficient, effective, and adaptive to emerging challenges.”
One of the Fire Innovation Unit’s first major initiatives is the Global Space-Based Data Challenge, which aims to harness the power of satellite data and other space-based technologies to improve wildfire monitoring and prediction.
Through this initiative, CAL FIRE is engaging with global experts and innovators to develop groundbreaking solutions that can dramatically enhance wildfire detection and response. The potential impact of this initiative is enormous, as it could lead to more timely and precise interventions, ultimately saving lives and protecting our communities.
This year’s Global Space-Based Data Challenge winners were awarded a total of $150,000 in prize money, with $50,000 granted to each winning submission across three mission-critical categories:
Challenge #1: Data Sources and Ingestion Mechanisms winner: Danti.ai
Challenge #2: Data Storage: Fetch Fund
Challenge #3: Data Consumption and Presentation/Analytic Layers and Platform:
Dr. Ahmad Talaei, University of Utah
These innovative solutions could be integrated into developing the next-generation data infrastructure needed to support wildfire mitigation and resilience efforts across California and beyond.
The Red Sky Summit brings together wildfire professionals, policymakers, technology developers, and land management agencies to explore forward-looking strategies for mitigating wildfire impacts and is an opportunity to showcase CAL FIRE’s leadership in wildfire resilience and its proactive efforts to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. A few examples include:
- Utilizing AI to detect fires: CAL FIRE partnered with UC San Diego to support the development of ALERTCalifornia which utilizes AI to identify and monitor wildfires. ALERTCalifornia was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023.
- Integrated fire forecasting: In 2021, Cal OES and CAL FIRE established the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center, in collaboration with the California Military Department and California Public Utilities Commission, to serve as the state’s central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting and coordination of wildfire threat intelligence and data sharing.
- Leveraging technology for fire response: CAL FIRE and Cal OES have also invested heavily in drones, satellite technology for advanced mapping, and AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker, and a Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) to provide real-time mapping of wildfires.
“Wildfire challenges today require solutions that are as dynamic as the risks we face,” said CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Events like the Red Sky Summit provide a vital opportunity to collaborate with innovators, private partners, and community leaders who share our mission of building a safer, more resilient California.”
