#United States #California #PG&E #Lockheed Martin #Wildfire Technology

PG&E's Groundbreaking Autonomous Wildfire Suppression Demonstration

On May 7, 2025, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) participated in California's first-ever autonomous wildfire suppression demonstration. This innovative initiative involved elite fire professionals, state and federal officials, and influential leaders from various sectors, including philanthropy and insurance. The event took place in the scenic Silverwood region of the Mojave River Valley, adjacent to the San Bernardino National Forest.

The demonstration featured a Sikorsky Black Hawk® helicopter, outfitted with advanced autonomy systems developed by Lockheed Martin. This sophisticated technology allowed the helicopter to autonomously track and extinguish multiple fires across the designated area. The impressive feat was controlled remotely via a tablet, showcasing PG&E’s commitment to pioneering new methods of wildfire suppression.

Mark Quinlan, PG&E’s Senior Vice President of Wildfire, Emergency, and Operations, emphasized the company’s dedication to combating catastrophic wildfires. He stated, “At PG&E, we recognize the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and understand that the development of innovative technology is crucial for protecting our communities.” He highlighted PG&E's collaboration with forward-thinking firms like Rain and Lockheed Martin to enhance safety measures.

Rain, an Alameda-based participant in PG&E's research and development efforts, is part of the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program. This initiative explores the integration of drone technology and autonomous systems designed to improve response times in wildfire situations while reducing operational costs for field crews. Rain is also actively participating in the XPRIZE Wildfire competition, co-sponsored by PG&E, which aims to advance wildfire detection and suppression technologies.

The XPRIZE Wildfire Competition

The XPRIZE Wildfire initiative spans four years with a budget of $11 million, aiming to revolutionize how wildfires are detected and managed. This competition features two distinct tracks. In the Autonomous Wildfire Response track, teams are challenged to monitor over 1,000 square kilometers and autonomously suppress fires within ten minutes of detection. The Space-Based Wildfire Detection Intelligence track focuses on precise fire detection over expansive areas within one minute, with the goal of minimizing false alarms to improve ground response efficiency.

Through the EPIC project, PG&E plans additional demonstrations to evaluate the viability of various autonomous wildfire suppression technologies in different environments, showcasing the importance of innovation in emergency response.

Future Implications

This pioneering demonstration marks a significant milestone in wildfire management and reflects PG&E's proactive approach toward integrating advanced technology into their operations. With climate challenges evolving, such advancements may well be essential in maintaining the safety of California’s communities in the future.

To learn more about PG&E's research and development initiatives, visit PG&E's Innovation Page. With ongoing commitments to collaboration and technological advancement, PG&E is paving the way for a safer, more resilient future in wildland fire management.