Open Arsenal

From Orbit to Alert in Seconds

InfernoWatchAI is an open-source, national-scale wildfire detection and intelligence platform designed to identify fires at their earliest stages and deliver alerts in near real time. Built around the idea of “From Orbit to Alert in Seconds,” it combines satellite observation, artificial intelligence, and open data access to create a system that is both powerful and transparent. Inspired by leading international fire-monitoring approaches, InfernoWatchAI brings that level of capability into a unified, publicly accessible platform for the United States.

At its core, InfernoWatchAI uses a multi-layered detection approach. Satellite data streams provide continuous thermal imagery, which is analyzed by AI models trained to recognize early heat anomalies. These detections are then cross-validated using smoke identification models, weather data, vegetation conditions, and lightning activity. By fusing multiple data sources, the platform reduces false positives and assigns a confidence level to each alert, helping responders and researchers quickly understand which events require immediate attention.

One of the platform’s most advanced capabilities is its predictive intelligence. InfernoWatchAI doesn’t just detect fires—it anticipates how they may grow. Using short-term forecasting models, it evaluates terrain, wind patterns, and fuel conditions to estimate fire spread over the next several hours. In parallel, its smoke analysis system tracks plume movement and potential air quality impacts, providing critical insights for nearby communities and emergency planners.

The system is designed to be fully open and extensible. Developers can access real-time and historical fire data through an open API, while contributors can expand the platform by adding new models, datasets, or regional integrations. A public dashboard visualizes live detections, confidence scores, and environmental overlays, making complex data understandable at a glance. By combining advanced AI, satellite intelligence, and open collaboration, InfernoWatchAI aims to create a more proactive, informed, and connected approach to wildfire awareness and response.