Southern California’s wildfire danger is skyrocketing, and climate change is to blame. A new study reveals that rising temperatures have made these catastrophic blazes 35% more likely, with extreme weather conditions now expected every 17 years. As Los Angeles residents rebuild after recent fires, a wave of innovative startups is stepping in to tackle the growing threat.

The region’s ecosystems are no strangers to fire. In fact, they’ve evolved to thrive under low-intensity burns. But human activity—like building deeper into fire-prone areas—has disrupted this natural balance. Add a century of fire suppression, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Enterprising tech companies are now filling the gap. Vibrant Planet offers tools to analyze wildfire risks and collaborate with stakeholders to create mitigation plans. Meanwhile, Kodama retrofits forestry equipment for remote operation, making it cheaper to thin forests and reduce flammable vegetation.

For controlled burns, BurnBot has developed a remotely operated machine that safely burns excess brush with minimal smoke and embers. These efforts are crucial, but they’re not enough on their own.

To catch fires early, startups like Pano are using AI to analyze data from cameras, satellites, and sensors. Google and Muon Space have also teamed up to launch FireSat, which monitors wildfires from space every 20 minutes.

If fires do escape early containment, FireDome offers an AI-powered defense system that launches fire retardants to protect properties.

The fight against wildfires requires a mix of cutting-edge tech and traditional land management. As climate change intensifies, these startups are proving that innovation might just be the key to keeping the flames at bay.