In the wake of devastating wildfires that have devastated areas such as Los Angeles, an innovative solution is emerging from Israel. An Israeli startup is working to develop an advanced fire protection system to fight wildfires, inspired by Israel’s famous Iron Dome air defense system.
This new technology aims to protect communities, homes and valuable landscapes from the growing threat of wildfires.
Firedome was founded in 2024 by retired military officer Gadi Benjamini (an Israeli military veteran) and Dr. Adi Naor Pomerantz to develop a system that automatically detects and extinguishes fires before they cause significant damage. We are aiming for
The company said its system uses AI technology and defensive tactics similar to Iron Dome, known for its ability to counter airborne threats such as missiles.
“The biggest challenge in the climate technology space is wildfires, and more specifically wildfire response, because a lot of companies are focused on detection,” Benjamini told The Times of Israel. Ta.
He added: “What we are developing is to be able to fight more fires at the same time, such as spot fires and embers, and to be able to reach places that firefighters cannot reach due to various logistical constraints. It is a system that strengthens the capabilities and capabilities of firefighters,” he added.
Benjamini likens the system’s role in wildfire protection to the role of artillery support in war, providing critical support to first responders.
“Just like in a war fighting wildfires, we have firefighters who are infantry. We have planes, but it’s difficult to fly at night or in strong winds because of the darkness, and what we’re developing is a kind of artillery support. ,” Benjamini said.
Commenting on the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, Benjamini said it was too early to determine the cause due to incomplete data. He noted that their solution was effective against high winds and spot fires, which could have been crucial in creating barriers and protecting neighborhoods.
However, more research is needed to analyze the event, improve products, and increase their effectiveness in combating wildfires like this.
Firedome secured US$3 million in seed funding in December with support from climate technology investors including US-based Third Sphere and Israel’s Gravity. Other notable backers include Germany’s Caesar Fund, Atooro Fund and Vertex Ventures.
The startup also received a USD 1.5 million grant from the Israel Innovation Authority to strengthen its research and development efforts. Additionally, the startup is guided by Pinchas (Pini) Jungmann, the principal designer of the Iron Dome and David Sling defense systems.
About the system
The initial version of FireDome’s system is designed to protect approximately 100 acres of land, targeting small areas, vineyards, hotels and resorts that are susceptible to wildfires. The startup eventually aims to expand its coverage to areas up to a mile wide.
Firedome plans to begin testing the system in Israel by May, focusing on wildfire-prone areas such as Jerusalem and the Carmel Forest. The Israel-based startup plans to have a minimum viable product ready by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Over the next 12 months, the company will use the funding to continue developing its technology, engaging with potential customers and design partners.
Additionally, the Tel Aviv-based startup plans to launch pilot sites in the US by 2026, focusing on areas around Los Angeles and San Francisco.
According to the company’s website, “FireDome’s innovative wildfire protection system takes a two-layered approach.”
The system works by releasing environmentally friendly, flame-retardant capsules from a fixed mechanical launcher in response to an alert from the fire department. These capsules open upon impact, forming a protective barrier that blocks the path of an approaching wildfire.
The second layer of defense is provided by AI-powered systems. The system leverages advanced computer vision and sensor technology to detect and extinguish spot fires caused by embers that bypass primary barriers.
Firedome has not yet selected the material for the extinguishing agent, but is in discussions with manufacturers in the United States and Israel. The company announced that it will select an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved fire extinguishing agent that is environmentally and animal-friendly.
The company has identified potential markets in California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, parts of Canada, and European countries, including Australia, Greece, Portugal, and Germany.
The company has received attention in Israeli media as fires continue to devastate Los Angeles, with some describing the destruction as similar to the aftermath of an atomic bomb.
Wildfires impose a significant economic burden on the United States, with preliminary estimates from AccuWeather estimating the damage and economic losses from these fires to be between US$135 billion and US$150 billion.
In 2023, a study by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee found that wildfires cost the United States between $400 billion and $900 billion annually. That same year, wildfires claimed more than 250 lives and burned approximately 988 million acres around the world.
