Wildfire Management: Technologies for Forecasting, Detection, Mitigation, and Response
Annually, wildfires in the U.S. cause an average of 12 deaths and cost at least $3.2 billion. Wildfire severity has increased across much of the country, a trend that is expected to continue. Current and emerging technologies have the potential to save lives and property by improving forecasting, detection, mitigation, and response. This testimony provides information on selected technologies and on the benefits and limitations of AI tools to enhance use of these technologies. This statement is based on prior GAO work, including a 2023 report on the use of AI to model wildfires and other natural hazards; a 2025 report on wildfire detection technologies such as satellites, aircraft, drones, cameras, and sensors; and prior GAO reports on forest management, wildfire staffing, and interagency coordination on wildfire response.
Short title:
Wildfire Management
Start date:
2025-06
End date:
2025-06
Homepage:
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108589
Project leader:
Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) (STAA)
Country:
United States of America
Publications:

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