OroraTech has completed a pilot programme with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division, demonstrating how space based thermal intelligence can support wildfire management, prescribed burning and fire investigation.
The Forestry Division integrated OroraTech’s wildland fire services as part of a wider programme to modernise wildfire response, improve crew safety, strengthen fire detection and make more efficient use of operational resources.
Beyond wildfire detection
While thermal satellites are commonly used to identify remote or concealed wildfires, the pilot expanded the technology’s role to support arson investigations, post incident analysis and resource planning.
The Forestry Division monitored prescribed burns from space, tracking fire perimeters, heat intensity and weather conditions to help reduce the risk of fires escaping control. Satellite monitoring also enabled the identification of unauthorised human caused fires.
In several arson investigations, historical thermal data was used to establish ignition times and identify illegal burns. During one case, satellite data contradicted a suspect’s account of events and provided evidence to support an ongoing prosecution.
Improving operational efficiency
The programme also explored opportunities to reduce reliance on ageing aircraft used for wildfire detection.
The Forestry Division currently operates an ageing aerial fleet, with its newest aircraft dating from 1979. OroraTech said its expanding thermal satellite network could provide a more cost effective alternative as additional satellites are launched over the coming years.
Supporting firefighter safety
The pilot also demonstrated the value of satellite data during post incident investigations.
Following a burn over incident involving four firefighters during the 2025 Pond Fire, thermal data was used to analyse fire behaviour and confirmed that an undetected spot fire had trapped the crew against the main fire.
The Forestry Division said the findings are being used to support future risk assessments and improve operational safety.
Looking ahead, OroraTech and the Forestry Division are exploring further collaboration, including public evacuation alerts, improved software integration for dispatch operations and enhanced training to help dispatch officers use thermal intelligence to allocate firefighting resources more effectively.
Mark Morales, OroraTech partner and former Type 1 Incident Commander, said: “Arkansas is embracing technology in a big way. They are just using detection as the first piece of the puzzle – they’re thinking outside the box with this.”
