FLOSSI AND THE FIRE DOME
An Israeli startup named FireDome has developed an innovative wildfire defense system inspired by the country's renowned Iron Dome missile defense technology.
Established in 2024 by CEO Gadi Benjamini and Dr. Adi Naor Pomerantz, FireDome aims to enhance firefighting capabilities by providing rapid response solutions to wildfires.
Key Features of the FireDome System:
Autonomous Operation: The system is designed to function autonomously, detecting and responding to wildfires without direct human intervention.
Eco-Friendly Fire Retardant: FireDome utilizes capsules filled with environmentally friendly fire retardant. These capsules are launched to create protective barriers against approaching fires.
AI-Powered Detection: The system leverages artificial intelligence to detect spot fires caused by wind-blown embers and suppresses them promptly, preventing the spread of wildfires.
Mechanical Launchers: The system employs mechanical launchers that project the fire-retardant capsules to distances of about a quarter mile, allowing for rapid deployment over large areas.
Deployment Plans:
Initial Testing in Israel: FireDome plans to conduct its first system tests in Israel around May 2025, focusing on areas prone to wildfires, such as the forests near Jerusalem and the Carmel region.
Expansion to the United States: In 2026, the company aims to initiate pilot programs in the United States, particularly in wildfire-prone regions like Los Angeles and San Francisco. By integrating advanced defense strategies with artificial intelligence, FireDome seeks to provide a proactive solution to the growing threat of wildfires, enhancing the capabilities of traditional firefighting methods.
