Bordeaux wildfires: What we know so far

by Aerial FirefightingBreaking NewsEvacuationIncidentsWildland FireWildland Fire

Bordeaux wildfires force thousands to evacuate as firefighters battle to contain flames

Firefighters are continuing efforts to contain wildfires across the Gironde region in south-west France as extreme weather conditions fuel one of the country’s most serious wildfire emergencies in recent years.

Driven by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought and strong winds, the fires have spread rapidly through areas of dry vegetation and pine forest, forcing mass evacuations and placing communities across the region on alert.

Here’s what we know so far about the Bordeaux wildfires.

Where are the Bordeaux wildfires?

The largest fires are burning in the Gironde department, west of Bordeaux, where extensive areas of pine forest have provided significant fuel for the flames.

Authorities have reported that the main fire front has moved to within around 15 kilometres of the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Several nearby communities have been evacuated.

How many people have been evacuated?

More than 250,000 have been evacuated across the Gironde region as the fires have intensified.

How large is the fire?

Authorities estimate that approximately 42,000 hectares of land have been affected by the fires.

The combination of dry vegetation, resin-rich pine forests and strong winds is said to have allowed the flames to spread quickly.

Firefighting response

More than 2,500 firefighters have been deployed, supported by water-bombing aircraft, helicopters and military resources.

France has also received assistance from European partners as crews work to slow the spread of the fires, defend homes and critical infrastructure and prevent further expansion towards populated areas.

The scale of the response highlights the growing challenge posed by wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires, where fast-moving vegetation fires increasingly threaten communities, businesses and essential infrastructure.

What is causing the fires?

Authorities have linked the severity of the fires to a combination of prolonged drought, exceptionally high temperatures and strong winds, creating conditions where fires can ignite and spread rapidly.

While investigations into the causes of individual fires are ongoing, officials have warned that weather conditions remain the biggest challenge for firefighting operations.

Forecasters expect temperatures to remain high this week, with parts of south-west France approaching 40°C. Any increase in wind speed could further accelerate the spread of active fire fronts.

Travel disruption

The wildfires have caused widespread disruption across the Gironde region.

Several roads have been closed, with travellers advised to check the latest transport updates before setting out. Bordeaux Airport remains operational, although precautionary measures have been introduced in surrounding areas.

Government response

French President Emmanuel Macron has chaired crisis meetings as the government coordinates the national response to the wildfire emergency.

Emergency services remain on heightened alert, with additional resources deployed to protect communities and critical infrastructure as conditions continue to change.

A growing challenge for fire and rescue services

The Bordeaux wildfires are part of a wider wildfire crisis affecting several countries across southern Europe.

For fire and rescue services, the incident highlights the increasing operational challenges created by prolonged heatwaves, drought and more extreme fire behaviour. It also reinforces the need for robust wildfire preparedness, effective inter-agency coordination, aerial firefighting capability and stronger protection for communities located at the wildland-urban interface.

With hot and dry conditions expected to continue, firefighters face a challenging task in containing the fires and preventing further destruction in the days ahead.

Wildfire risk warnings issued as third heatwave approaches

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionHealth and SafetyIncidentsWildland FireWildland Fire

The National Fire Chiefs Council is urging the public to take extra care as prolonged hot, dry weather raises wildfire risks across the UK

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued UK wildfire risk warnings as the country enters its third heatwave since late May, with fire chiefs urging the public to take extra care outdoors to help prevent fast-spreading fires.

Temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C across many parts of the UK this week, with some areas expected to reach around 34°C. Although the current heatwave is not expected to match the extreme temperatures seen in late June, it is forecast to last longer, increasing the likelihood of vegetation drying out and creating conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread more rapidly.

According to National Resilience data, fire and rescue services in England and Wales attended 342 wildfires between 1 January and 6 July 2026, compared with 639 during the same period last year.

While the total number of incidents remains below last year’s level, the NFCC warned that sustained warm, dry conditions are steadily increasing the threat. Grass, crops, heathland and woodland are becoming progressively drier as warm days and nights prevent vegetation from recovering moisture, raising the potential for larger and more challenging wildfire incidents in the coming weeks.

Fire and rescue services have already responded to several wildfires across southern and eastern England in recent weeks, where extended periods of dry weather have left landscapes particularly vulnerable.

The NFCC said many wildfires are caused by everyday human activity, with discarded cigarettes, disposable barbecues and litter among the most common ignition sources. The organisation is urging people to dispose of smoking materials responsibly, avoid using disposable barbecues in the countryside and take litter home to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

The current conditions are also increasing the fire risk during agricultural activities, with dried crops and the start of the harvest season creating additional hazards. Farmers and contractors are being encouraged to exercise extra caution when operating machinery and to follow seasonal fire safety guidance.

Alongside the wildfire warning, the NFCC is reminding people of the dangers posed by inland water during hot weather. As schools begin breaking up for the summer holidays, fire chiefs are urging families to avoid swimming in unsupervised rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals and quarries, warning that cold water shock, hidden currents and submerged hazards can prove fatal despite high air temperatures.

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council Wildfire Deputy Lead and Lead Tactical Advisor, said: “Hot, dry weather can significantly increase wildfire risk, but most wildfires start because something provides the spark. Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”

The NFCC is advising the public to avoid using disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks and moorland, dispose of cigarettes and matches responsibly, follow local fire risk guidance and report any fires immediately by calling 999. The organisation is also encouraging people to choose supervised swimming locations, avoid entering open water after consuming alcohol and remember the “Phone, Float, Throw” and “Float to Live” water safety advice if an emergency occurs.

Wildfire danger awareness raised in NFFF video

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsPeopleSafetyVideoWildland Fire

With a growing need for education and awareness surrounding wildfires, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has released a Safety INSight video designed to educate both the fire service and the public on these fires.

“Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more destructive, which makes this a critical time for education.” Said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “We’re proud to bring more attention to the issue by highlighting the advancements being made in wildfire safety while also giving people practical information on how they can better protect their homes and communities.”

The video is said to explain what areas are considered Wild-Urban Interface fires and provides historical context around some of the deadliest and most destructive events in U.S. history.

Also in the video, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) representatives discuss the organisation’s research and testing facilities that recreate real-world scenarios. This work is claimed to help identify vulnerabilities in homes and communities while developing practical solutions that can reduce wildfire risk.

Greece launches world’s first national wildfire satellite system

by Breaking NewsEMSFeatured NewsFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentInspectionResearchThermal ImagingWildland FireWildland Fire

OroraTech has launched and deployment of the Hellenic Fire System, the world’s first national wildfire satellite system in Greece. The system is a four-satellite constellation dedicated to wildfire monitoring and represents the first national satellite network designed exclusively for wildfire detection and tracking. The satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The system was developed in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the Hellenic Space Center, and the European Space Agency (ESA). It provides continuous, real-time wildfire intelligence covering 100% of Greek territory, enabling rapid detection and tracking of wildfire activity nationwide.

“Today marks a major step forward in strengthening Greece’s national resilience against wildfires,” said Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance & Artificial Intelligence. “By integrating space-based capabilities into our emergency response systems, we are equipping our fire services with the tools they need to respond faster, act more effectively, and protect lives, property, and the environment.”

“The deployment of this system demonstrates how European collaboration can deliver tangible impact for citizens,” said Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency. “By combining advanced space technologies with operational services on the ground, we are enabling faster, more informed responses to natural disasters and strengthening Europe’s leadership in Earth observation.”

“This is a defining moment not just for Greece, but also for how the world approaches wildfire management,” said Martin Langer, CEO of OroraTech. “For the first time, an entire country is protected by a dedicated satellite constellation built to detect and track wildfires in real time. This is the blueprint for how nations can use space technology to safeguard their people, ecosystems, and economies.”

Wildfire satellite system equipped with thermal infrared sensors

The Hellenic Fire System includes four satellites equipped with thermal infrared sensors, a ground station in Greece, and OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform integrated into national emergency response systems. Data is delivered through the Ministry of Digital Governance, enabling near real-time wildfire detection with latency measured in minutes and hotspot identification as small as 4 by 4 meters.

In 2025, Europe experienced its most severe wildfire activity in over 20 years, with significant impact in Greece and across the Mediterranean region due to rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions. The new system is designed to address gaps in traditional monitoring by providing continuous coverage and rapid detection during peak fire conditions.

The project is being implemented under an ESA Contract within the framework of the Greek National Satellite Space Project. The Project: Small-Satellites (Measure ID 16855) is implemented by the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence with the European Space Agency (ESA) Assistance in the Management and Implementation. It is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan ‘Greece 2.0’, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), a core programme of the European Union-NextGenerationEU.

Pilots, mechanics and teams: Why expanding fire seasons are creating urgent new aviation career paths

by Aerial FirefightingAmericas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Expanding wildfire seasons are increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals across, writes Stacy Collette, Employee Relations Coordinator, Neptune Aviation

At the height of wildfire season, the day at an airtanker base doesn’t begin when smoke is visible on the horizon.

It begins long before that, in the quiet discipline of preparation.

Crews are up early performing maintenance inspections, reviewing aircraft status and preparing for immediate launch.

Operational briefings with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) align teams on fire behaviour, weather systems, airspace coordination and mission objectives.

Mechanics complete detailed pre-flight inspections.

Structural and avionics specialists work through discrepancies, troubleshoot systems and ensure every aircraft meets airworthiness standards before it ever leaves the ground.

Behind the scenes, maintenance control, parts specialists, logistics coordinators and planners are continuously tracking aircraft status, anticipating needs and preparing for next-launch readiness.

It is all part of a highly synchronised effort, and without these skilled professionals, the mission could be grounded.

As wildfire seasons expand in both length and intensity, the demand for mechanics, technicians, pilots and specialists who power this effort continues to grow, opening new career pathways in aviation.

Escalating risk, escalating demand

Wildfire seasons are no longer confined to a few summer months.

Data from Climate Central shows that wildfire season has lengthened by more than 100 days since the 1970s.1 What were once regionally concentrated events now stretch across multiple states and longer operational windows.

Meanwhile, many wildfires in the past were left to burn when they took place within wooded, unoccupied areas, since fire is a natural occurrence that helps to revitalise forests.

That has changed over the last three decades.

Between 1990 and 2020, the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which is the area where human development intermingles with wildland vegetation, added 179,000 square miles.2 The number of homes built within the WUI also grew by 47% during the same period.

3 Fires that burned in remote areas now threaten homes, infrastructure and entire communities, requiring faster and more sustained suppression efforts.

With the current state of wildland firefighting, the USFS and other fire management agencies are now leaning more heavily on aerial assets for initial attack and sustained suppression, meaning demand for skilled professionals isn’t confined to pilots, it expands to the entire aviation ecosystem in order to keep aircraft mission ready.

The talent gap is broader than we think

The aviation industry as a whole is currently navigating a well-documented pilot shortfall, with projections indicating that demand in 2026 could exceed available pilots by 24,000.4

The workforce challenge extends well beyond the cockpit; aerial firefighting operations also depend on licensed aircraft mechanics, structural specialists, certified non-destructive testing (NDT) professionals, machinists and design engineers, avionics technicians and maintenance control personnel.

Wildland firefighting requires professionals who can make quick decisions in a fast-moving environment.

Aircraft routinely operate at low altitudes, in high temperatures and under repeated structural stress.

Maintaining airworthiness under these conditions requires deep technical knowledge and years of hands-on experience, and we are finding that while there are talented new graduates entering the aviation trades, the level of expertise required for specialised aerial firefighting operations takes years to develop, and we need more of them now, than ever before in aviation history.

For mechanics, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) licence is foundational.

Beyond that, they should pursue specialised training in:

  • NDT: There are several different types of certifications available to secure.
  • Mechanics should maintain their logbooks to track X-rays or penetrant testing they have completed, and if they have leveraged any chemical processing tests.
  • Structural repair and composite work and
  • Avionics troubleshooting

Electrical experience is a plus.

Building a breadboard, understanding electrical current, understanding how to chase a wire and how to ensure that something will function effectively with the other electronics is key.

Pursuing Inspection Authorisation (IA) certification through the FAA, which authorises mechanics to sign off on advanced repairs, is also helpful.

Hands-on experience is what truly differentiates candidates.

Exposure to complex aircraft modifications, heavy maintenance checks and real-world troubleshooting under compressed operational timelines builds long-term capability.

For pilots, turbine time, low-level flight experience and strong Crew Resource Management (CRM) discipline are essential.

It is an entirely different world for pilots when they are stationed at an airbase to battle wildfire than at an airport for a commercial flight.

It is important for us to recognise the shift in responsibility, and to leverage capacity differently for aerial firefighting pilots.

Attracting the right professionals to aerial firefighting also requires addressing common misconceptions.

One is that the work is seasonal or short-term.

While wildfire activity and the flying season peak during the summer months, the preparation, maintenance, training and planning are year-round endeavours.

Aircraft return throughout the wildfire season for routine maintenance, structural evaluation and inspections, while annual maintenance for aircraft is handled during the winter months to prepare for the year ahead.

Another misconception is that the job is all adrenaline and flying.

In reality, pilots and crews can be stationed at an airbase for extended periods awaiting deployment.

Success depends less on continuous flight operations, and more on meticulous preparation, engineering and mechanical precision, regulatory compliance and disciplined teamwork behind the scenes.

If mechanics cannot move a plane forward through their FAA checks, it doesn’t fly, and many entering the field are surprised by how technically advanced and methodical the work is, especially on the maintenance, fabrication and systems side.

Aerial firefighting captures public attention during dramatic fire events, but that is the culmination of weeks or months of preparation.

Career pathways to aerial firefighting

While recruiting can be challenging, there are well-established pathways professionals pursue leading up to careers in aerial firefighting.

Understanding those pipelines helps operators target the right talent and build sustainable workforces.

The common pathways for mechanics and technical personnel include:

  • FAA-certified A&P programmes located all across the U.S., which produce highly qualified aviation maintenance graduates every year
  • Technical trade schools for machining and avionics
  • Military aviation maintenance backgrounds are a great common pathway
  • Entry-level shop apprenticeships
  • Internships with aviation operators like us or MRO facilities are spot on

Aviation maintenance and flight operations transfer very well into aerial firefighting due to their adherence to methodical execution.

Many members of the Neptune team transitioned directly from the military, and they adapted seamlessly, complying precisely with quality assurance requirements.

Implementing internship and/or apprentice programmes are particularly effective recruitment tools.

Organisations that invest in these programmes can tailor their curriculum to develop the skills mechanics need to attain their licences and A&P certification.

They can also be trained and certified on the specific aircraft the organisation operates.

At Neptune, they are certifying on the BAE 146 or the Commander 690, and in our general aviation shop they’re certifying on King Airs and Pilatuses.

Training on the exact aircraft operated shortens the learning curve and strengthens retention.

For pilots, many of them begin in commercial aviation, agricultural aviation, military service or rotor-wing operations.

Many are drawn to aerial firefighting seeking a career where they can have an impact.

We have found that those who successfully transition have had significant fixed-wing time (commercially based).

Fire experience is always a plus, as well as experience with low-level flying.

Many pilots gain that experience working for a survey company at one point, or other positions that require low-level flying.

That is critical, because during wildfire operations, aircraft fly 150 feet above the tree line, and that is something that you must know how to do in order to complete successful retardant drops.

Retention through culture

Technical skills open the door, while culture determines organisational success and retention.

Leading employee relations, much of my time is focused on ensuring team members feel valued, supported and that they are positioned for professional growth.

Some accomplish that through continued progression in their current role, while others take the option to transition into new, more challenging positions at the company.

Employees make a significant commitment when they join an organisation.

In the case of Neptune, once they become a member of our team, we want them to understand that the commitment is mutual, and when leadership shows that same investment in their success, it builds trust and mutuality in the mission.

At Neptune, we have built our culture around the values of “Embracing Family, Resilient Spirit and a Firm Handshake.” Leadership’s commitment to our employees reflects all three.

Supporting families through long seasons speaks to Embracing Family.

Standing alongside our team through operational challenges reflects a Resilient Spirit, and demonstrating trust and mutual accountability every day is our Firm Handshake in action.

Investing in the next generation

Aerial firefighting is a long-term investment in infrastructure, safety and talent.

Aircraft do not stay mission-ready by accident.

It requires experienced professionals who take pride in their work and operate with accountability.

As wildfire risk continues to grow, so does the need for skilled aviation professionals who are committed to excellence.

The industry must educate prospective employees about the viability of aerial firefighting as a long-term career.

The effort needs to begin early.

By introducing young adults, even high school and middle school students, to opportunities in aviation and the skilled trades, we can get them engaged.

Kids are excited about how and why things work, and if we continue to encourage and inspire that through our recruitment efforts, we can build an aerial firefighting workforce that is ready when wildfire strikes, and when our communities need us the most.

Image: T41 Peter Incident Acton July 3 2023-3 Andrew Lewis – T41

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Albania partners with EU to combat forest fire damage

by Featured NewsProjectsWildland Fire

EU4Forests launches to address forest fire prevention

The European Union and the Government of Albania have launched EU4Forests to strengthen sustainable forest management and climate resilience.

This €16 million programme involves a partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Forests cover approximately 36 per cent of Albania but have seen a 32 per cent decline in volume over the past two decades.

The initiative aims to help Albania meet environmental and climate standards required for EU accession under Chapter 27.

EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said: “Albania’s forests must be protected to secure a sustainable future and EU4Forests is a concrete step in that direction.

“Albania’s forestry sector needs a decisive push to align with EU environmental and climate standards and to reverse the effects of deforestation, fires, and climate change.

“The EU is here to help Albania reach these standards and preserve the country’s green lungs.”

Funding and technical implementation for forestry management

The EU provides €12.7 million for the project while Italy contributes €3 million and the UNDP provides €0,26k.

These funds support reforestation and improved fire prevention alongside the strengthening of national and local institutions.

AICS Acting Director Letizia Fischioni confirmed the commitment of Italy to supporting the forestry sector.

Fischioni said: “Italy’s commitment to supporting Albania in the forestry sector, with particular attention to wildfire prevention and civil protection, as key pillars for environmental resilience and risk management.

“The expertise of CREA and CIMA Foundation will provide added value to the intervention and help deliver tangible results on the ground.”

The programme will support the development of 10 municipal forest management plans and a national afforestation plan.

Innovation and local governance in forest protection

Technical support includes the improvement of the Albania Forest Information System and the use of GIS-based monitoring tools.

The project also introduces AI-supported wildfire risk assessment to enhance monitoring and inspection capabilities.

Sofjan Jaupaj, the Minister of Environment, stated that Albania has undertaken reforms to align its legal framework with the European Union acquis.

Jaupaj said: “Albania has undertaken reforms to align the legal framework with the European Union acquis, including the new law on forests and the strengthening of relevant institutions.

“We are currently working on the establishment of the State Forestry Enterprise, as a key instrument for professional and sustainable management.

“One of the main priorities of the Albanian government is the creation and functioning of state plant nurseries, which will guarantee the production of quality and certified planting material.”

A grant scheme will assist municipalities in implementing local actions and encouraging behavioural changes to protect woodland areas.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Randi Davis, explained that EU4Forests invests in nature and people to build long-term resilience.

Implementation involves the National Forestry Agency and various public institutions over a five-year period.

Upcoming webinar: From data to decision in the fight against wildfires

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsAmericas - EventsBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesSafetyWildland FireWildland Fire

Electric utilities across North America are facing a growing crisis as wildfire seasons become longer, more destructive and increasingly unpredictable. In response, industry leaders are shifting their strategy from reacting to fires to preventing them.

A new webinar, From Data to Decision: Powering the Future of Wildfire Prevention for Utility Networks, will explore how this transformation is taking shape on April 28.

REGISTER HERE

The upcoming session, hosted by IFSJ sister publication FSJA, will bring together experts and utility professionals to examine how data is being harnessed to reduce wildfire risk and protect critical infrastructure.

At the heart of this shift is a move beyond simple data collection toward actionable intelligence, insights that can guide decisions across operations, risk management and long-term infrastructure planning.

Modern situational awareness platforms and predictive analytics are playing a central role. Utilities are now integrating a wide range of data sources, including localised climate patterns, real-time weather observations, vegetation health and encroachment monitoring, asset condition reports, historical outage trends and wildfire progression models.

These inputs are enabling a more comprehensive understanding of risk across utility networks.

Emerging technologies are also expanding the toolkit available to utilities. Artificial intelligence-powered smoke detection systems, for example, are helping identify potential ignitions earlier than ever before, giving operators valuable time to respond before incidents escalate.

The webinar will highlight how advances in vegetation intelligence, machine learning applied to localised climate extremes, and infrastructure risk scoring are allowing utilities to prioritise mitigation efforts more effectively.

By focusing resources where they are needed most, companies can strengthen resilience while improving public safety outcomes.

Wildfire experts to speak

Among the featured speakers is Chris Waters, a retired Operational Division Chief from CAL FIRE with 25 years of experience in wildfire management. Waters, now Principal of Fireshed Forestry Solutions, brings deep expertise in fire behavior modeling, predictive analytics, and risk assessment, informed by his work on major incidents including the 2021 Dixie Fire.

Joining him is Chuck Parker, Vice President of Sales – Americas at Indji Systems, Inc., and Director of Business Development for the utility industry. With more than two decades of experience, Parker has contributed extensively to industry knowledge through expert papers and conference presentations focused on lightning science, natural hazards, and data-driven solutions for utilities.

As wildfire risk continues to redefine operational priorities, the webinar aims to provide attendees with practical insights into how leading utilities are leveraging data to move from awareness to action. The session underscores a broader industry trend: prevention, powered by intelligence, is becoming the new frontline in wildfire management.

Sign up for the webinar here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/666672836818352474

Wildfire modelling project links fire spread with smoke impact

by Featured NewsResearchWildland Fire

Wildfire modelling and evacuation planning

George Mason University is developing a wildfire digital twin designed to simulate fire behaviour in real time and forecast air pollution impacts during fast-moving incidents in Southern California.

The work is being led by Chaowei “Phil” Yang, professor in the Geography and Geoinformation Science Department in the College of Science, in partnership with researchers from California State University—Los Angeles, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the City of Los Angeles.

The project was framed against the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which killed 28 people, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and displaced tens of thousands of residents.

Wildfires are difficult to predict because many factors affect their growth, spread and speed.

That uncertainty can slow evacuation decisions and make it harder for response teams to judge who should be moved away from flames or hazardous air pollution.

Yang said: “The goal is to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system that can provide real-time, high-resolution simulation and forecasting of wildfire behavior and model the resulting air pollution and air quality impacts for better informed public health responses.”

Yang added: “Inhaling wildfire smoke can cause serious and long-lasting damage to the breathing system.

“We need to get those people impacted to safety as well as those in direct line of the spreading flames.”

Data sources and system development

George Mason University said the digital twin will combine data from satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground observations and citizen reports to simulate wildfire progress and the effect of potential interventions.

The system draws in information on fuel sources, moisture, load and consumption, along with wind speeds, temperatures and real-time fire sensors.

George Mason’s high-performance computing (HPC) cluster is used to automate data interpretation, and machine learning modelling is used to calibrate data sets to improve accuracy.

Model accuracy is expected to improve as more data sets become available.

Yang explained: “When we eventually provide information to firefighters and local agencies, we will give them a range of possibilities and a confidence level in those possibilities, such as ‘the fire will move in this direction with about 90% confidence, or 20% confidence,’

“That’s important for them when they’re trying to make these quick decisions about where to put fire fighters.

“It makes the information actionable instead of just data sets.”

The project also includes student participation from high school level through to post-doctoral research, with work focused on cloud computing and digital transformation.

Anusha Srirenganathan said: “Working closely with researchers from different disciplines helped me grow as a collaborator, and my work on the project strengthened my abilities in large-scale satellite data processing, spatial cloud computing, and AI/ML modeling for environmental applications,”

Yang said the team is also working on a Chesapeake Bay digital twin for flood forecasting and a conflict resolution digital twin with an alert system.

Capitol Counsel and Collective combine around wildfire policy work

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Wildfire policy practice expands in Washington

Capitol Counsel expanded its wildfire-related policy work through a merger with Collective Strategies & Communications that was announced in September 2025.

Capitol Counsel said the deal brings together Collective’s work in wildfire prevention, response and land management with Capitol Counsel’s broader legislative and regulatory practice in Washington, D.C.

Collective Strategies & Communications had represented clients involved in aerial firefighting, remote sensing and fire-intelligence technologies.

The firm had focused on policy frameworks tied to technology use, federal funding and legislative engagement aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health.

People joining the expanded wildfire team

The announcement also brings Phil Hardy, founder and former president & CEO of Collective Strategies & Communications, into Capitol Counsel’s expanded practice.

Hardy has more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications, government relations and public affairs, with work focused on wildfire intelligence, mitigation strategies and technologies including aerial firefighting assets and AI-driven forest-management platforms.

Matt Gall also joins the combined practice with more than 15 years of policy and advocacy experience tied to natural resources, energy, public lands and environmental issues.

Before joining Collective, Gall spent a decade at Strategies 360 and also worked on the House Natural Resources Committee on federal policy covering water rights, hydropower and endangered species.

Within Capitol Counsel, partner Brad Mollett adds experience in legislative advocacy across the House, Senate and private sector, with work spanning environment, agriculture and appropriations.

Principal Samantha Barnett adds Capitol Hill experience with a policy background in forestry, wildfire, agriculture, energy and working-forest issues.

The merged firm said Barnett has advocated for forest-health and wildfire risk-reduction policies before Congress and federal agencies.

Broader access for federal and state advocacy

Capitol Counsel described the merger as an expansion of its federal- and state-level advocacy capacity on wildfire and natural-resources issues.

The combined practice links Collective’s subject focus with Capitol Counsel’s wider access across Congress and federal agencies.

The announcement frames that combined capability around policymaking on prevention, response and funding as federal and state decision-makers consider future wildfire measures.

New research shows North America wildfire seasons moving in different directions

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsResearchWildland Fire

Wildfire study tracks regional timing shifts

A new study has found that climate change is changing the timing of wildfire seasons across North America, with earlier fire seasons in northern forests, limited change in prairie regions and later activity in parts of the western United States and California.

The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, examined wildfire activity across 18 ecological regions using burn area data collected between 2001 and 2020 from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua and Terra satellites.

Researchers combined the satellite data with environmental variables including temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, vegetation conditions, wind speed and lightning potential.

The analysis found that ecosystems are responding in different ways, with boreal and taiga forests across Alaska, Canada and parts of the Great Lakes region showing wildfire seasons that are shifting earlier in the year.

The study links that change to earlier snowmelt and faster drying of vegetation, which exposes flammable fuels sooner in spring.

It also found that boreal ecosystems are especially sensitive to atmospheric dryness, which was identified as the main driver of wildfire activity across several fire regimes.

Hongliang Zhang, environmental scientist at Fudan University in China, said: “It’s very region-specific.”

Wildfire seasons extend later in western regions

The study found that Mediterranean-type climates and desert regions in the western United States are seeing fire seasons that continue later into the year.

In California and the warm desert Southwest, increased late-season burning is pushing wildfire activity further into autumn and early winter.

The research links those patterns to prolonged drought conditions and changes in vegetation dynamics that increase fuel availability later in the year.

Prairie ecosystems and humid forest regions including the Appalachian Mountains and the southeastern United States showed only limited shifts in wildfire timing.

Researchers said these regions may be more stable because of stronger precipitation influences and different vegetation structures.

Wildfire projections point to further seasonal change

The researchers also used climate model projections to assess how wildfire seasons may change in future decades.

Under a high-emissions climate scenario, the study projects that boreal wildfire seasons could begin around a week earlier on average.

Some northern regions could shift by more than three weeks.

California’s wildfire season could extend by more than a month beyond the traditional June-to-October window, and desert regions in the western United States may also see later seasonal expansion.

The source material also states that the modelling framework could be used to assess vegetation change, along with human activity, in wildfire ignition.

According to the source material, about 85% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by human actions, including arson or unattended campfires.

Zhang said: “That model is really good at predicting wildfire.

“So now we want to predict the emissions of wildfire to the atmosphere.”

The study concludes that climate change is reshaping the seasonal distribution of wildfire activity across North America in ways that differ sharply between ecosystems.