Flame, Forecast, and Resilience: Drones and Predictive Technology in Wildfire Response
by Rajeev Kumar Jha, Director DRR and CCA, Humanitarian Aid International
Technology has always shaped human progress, and today, its role in disaster management and climate adaptation is more crucial than ever. ADRRN’s Drone Hub led by Humanitarian Aid International (HAI), is championing drone technology for disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response.
As part of these efforts, HAI hosted a webinar on 24 February 2025 titled "Application of Drone and Predictive Technology: Case Study of California Wildfires." The discussion was timely, given the recent wildfires in California, which claimed 19 lives and caused more than $250 billion in damage. With climate change making wildfires increasingly severe, the conversation focused on how drones and predictive tools could transform wildfire management.
The Role of Drone Technology in Disaster Management
Drones have become indispensable in monitoring, assessment, and response during disasters. From providing real-time situational awareness to assisting in search and rescue, their ability to reach inaccessible areas is invaluable. Experts in the discussion highlighted how drones equipped with thermal sensors and high-resolution cameras can help track wildfires, assess damage, and support evacuation planning.
Beyond immediate disaster response, drones are proving useful in long-term adaptation strategies. With climate change fuelling unpredictable weather patterns, data-driven decision-making is key. The webinar delved into how drones are being used in forest fire assessments, chemical hazard monitoring, and industrial risk management. These insights are shaping national policies, including India’s National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which integrates drone-based disaster assessment.
One particularly promising area is robotic firefighting systems. As wildfires become more intense, thermal-resistant drone technology is emerging as a potential game-changer, reducing risks to human responders while improving efficiency.
Climate Change and the Need for Advanced Forecasting
As extreme weather events become the norm, predictive technology is proving essential. Advanced fire modelling systems can now analyse weather patterns, vegetation dryness, and historical fire data to forecast where and when wildfires might ignite. This is already happening in Australia and Spain, where predictive analytics are helping authorities plan fire suppression strategies more effectively.
A key takeaway from the webinar was the need for better integration between predictive tools and ground response initiatives. Technology alone isn’t enough—data must be actionable. This means developing user-friendly applications, such as the “Fire Cast” system, which combines drone surveillance with early warning alerts to help communities prepare before disaster strikes.
However, implementing such technology on a large scale is not without challenges. Questions around data accessibility, funding, and legal frameworks remain unresolved. As climate risks grow, finding solutions to these barriers is urgent.
Localising Technology for Greater Impact
While high-tech solutions are exciting, their real impact lies in how well they are adapted to local contexts. The conversation shifted to the importance of localising technology—ensuring that drones, predictive models, and data systems are not just imported solutions, but integrated into local disaster management strategies.
In regions like Nepal, where disaster response is often decentralised, efforts are underway to bridge the gap between government agencies and nonprofit organisations. The challenge is not just about having the technology—it’s about ensuring communities can use it effectively. Building local capacity through training and knowledge-sharing was highlighted as a crucial step.
The Urgency of Localisation and Power Shifts
The discussion also touched on the broader issue of power dynamics in humanitarian aid. As climate disasters escalate, there is growing recognition that local actors must lead the response. Instead of relying solely on external aid, technology should be a tool that empowers local organisations.
This shift requires collaboration between governments, private sector innovators, and meteorological agencies to develop strategies that are not just effective, but also equitable and accessible. A major concern raised was the rising costs of climate adaptation technologies. If left unaddressed, there’s a risk that only wealthier regions will benefit, leaving vulnerable communities even more exposed.
Key Takeaways
Drones with thermal sensors and high-resolution cameras offer real-time surveillance for wildfire monitoring, particularly in remote areas.
Predictive modelling helps identify high-risk zones, allowing for better fire suppression planning.
Drones improve firefighter safety by reducing direct exposure to hazardous areas.
Regulatory and ethical challenges, including privacy concerns and drone deployment restrictions, must be addressed.
Investing in local capacity-building is key to ensuring that disaster response agencies can effectively operate drone technology.
What is next?
Drones and predictive analytics are not just futuristic concepts—they are already reshaping wildfire management and disaster response. However, technology alone is not the solution. Collaboration, policy reform, and investment in local capacity are just as crucial.
As climate risks intensify, integrating technology with inclusive, community-driven approaches is the only way forward. Wildfires will continue to be a growing threat, but with the right tools and strategies, we can turn prediction into prevention—and response into resilience.