AI and Drones: How technology is changing the fight against forest fires

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has transformed many sectors, and firefighting is no exception.

The Bombers, Catalonia’s renowned wildfire response unit, have begun integrating AI into their operations with promising results.

David Borrell, head of the Bombers, told Catalan News that this year they introduced a new AI-based tool that, in the event of a wildfire, compares current weather conditions and terrain with data from previous fires.

“This historical context helps us better understand the fire and predict its behavior based on past outcomes,” he explains.

One key feature of this AI tool is its ability to detect extreme fire behavior by analyzing various conditions. This insight allows firefighters to anticipate where the fire might become most dangerous.

“With this information, we can make smarter decisions on where to deploy personnel, whether to adopt containment or attack strategies, or even if evacuation or lockdown measures are necessary,” Borrell adds.

AI has also improved management systems, making command centers more efficient by integrating diverse tools and clearly defining workflows.

“Everyone knows their role and what is expected of them,” Borrell emphasizes.

Drones: A game-changer

Another significant technological advancement is the Bombers' dramatic expansion of their drone fleet, growing from five to thirty drones this year alone.

"Drones are especially valuable for monitoring wildfires at night," says Borrell. "Since planes and helicopters can't operate at night, drones provide essential aerial surveillance."

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as thermal cameras, drones can identify the most active hotspots and produce accurate fire maps.

"A few years ago, this technology was barely used. Now, it’s an indispensable part of our operations,” Borrell explains.

Facing climate change

The Bombers are internationally recognized as a benchmark for emergency responses, especially for large-scale forest fires.

"Fortunately, we don't face tsunamis or earthquakes here, so forest fires are our main concern. We’re on par with countries like Australia and the United States when it comes to wildfire management,” says Borrell.

This expertise attracts fire departments from around the world that seek to learn from the Bombers.

"Due to climate change, northern European countries are now facing an increased risk of wildfires. They’re looking to us for guidance,” Borrell adds.

Borrell acknowledges that Catalonia itself has felt the effects of climate change: "Fires are becoming more intense and aggressive, spreading faster. Their erratic behavior can cause them to escalate into 'megafires' like those seen in California, Australia, and Chile."

These megafires are so powerful that they alter atmospheric dynamics. “They don’t burn hundreds of hectares—they burn thousands or even millions,” Borrell explains.

To learn more about how technology aids the Bombers in combating forest fires and the impact of climate change on these efforts, listen to the latest episode of our podcast, Filling the Sink.