FireDome, an Israeli startup, is developing an innovative fire protection system to combat wildfires. The system is inspired by the Iron Dome, Israel’s renowned missile defense technology. The company’s founder, Gadi Benjamini, said the system will use capsules filled with an extinguishing liquid to tackle fire outbreaks.
When a fire threat is detected, a stationary mechanical launcher will release the capsules. They will open before impact, dispersing an environmentally safe agent to create a protective barrier and prevent the fire from spreading. Benjamini explained, “The smart capsules contain sensors that allow us to program the specific location in which they open up, disperse the material in the air above the ground, and create a kind of dome protection around the property or asset.
If a fire approaches, it will block it, and we have a second layer to identify and react to spot fires ignited by drifting embers.”
An AI-powered technology will then detect and eliminate localized fires caused by wind-borne embers that surpass the initial defense layer.
FireDome tackles wildfires with technology
The first version of the system will be able to protect about 100 acres of land, such as vineyards, hotels, or resorts.
FireDome plans to expand the protection radius to one mile in the future. Testing of the system is set to begin in Israel by May 2025, focusing on regions prone to wildfires like the Jerusalem area and the Carmel Forest. By 2026, the startup aims to launch pilot projects in the United States, targeting cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, which are frequently affected by wildfires.
Wildfires continue to be a major concern, especially in southern California. Recent fires have caused damages and economic losses estimated between $135 and $150 billion. In the United States, wildfires can lead to annual economic losses ranging from $400 to $900 billion.
FireDome’s innovative approach offers hope for more effective wildfire management and prevention, potentially reducing the devastating impact of these natural disasters.
