FireSat satellite captures first wildfire images for global fire monitoring

New satellite shows undetected wildfire in Oregon, says Earth Fire Alliance

Earth Fire Alliance has released the first wildfire images from its FireSat Protoflight satellite, marking the initial demonstration of the satellite’s fire detection capability.

The nonprofit group, in collaboration with Muon Space and Google Research, said the satellite captured images of a small roadside fire in Oregon, United States, that was missed by other existing space-based systems.

According to the Earth Fire Alliance, the FireSat system is designed to detect fires as small as 5 by 5 metres and will scan high-risk regions globally every 20 minutes once fully operational.

The Alliance said the images show how FireSat will help first responders assess fires in early stages, including areas not visible to conventional sensors due to size or weather conditions.

Brian Collins, Executive Director of Earth Fire Alliance, said: “These images represent a turning point in how the world will see and respond to wildfires.

“FireSat is the result of extensive collaboration among engineers, researchers, frontline fire agencies and philanthropies – and it’s built to serve fire agencies around the world.

“Our goal is simple: ensure that every fire, anywhere on Earth, is visible and understood in near real time.”

Detection data includes fires in Canada and Australia

The Alliance said the first set of images includes fire activity from the United States, Canada and Australia, collected in diverse environmental conditions.

In Ontario, Canada, FireSat’s sensors distinguished between ongoing fire activity and areas previously burned during the Nipigon 6 Fire, the Alliance said.

In Australia’s Northern Territory, FireSat detected several concurrent fires and recorded temperature variations across the terrain.

Another image captured fires in remote areas of Alaska, including the Moran and Chicken Fires, showing how FireSat can monitor fire activity where ground-based surveillance is limited.

The Alliance said these examples demonstrate FireSat’s capacity for real-time visibility in locations where access and response times are limited by geography or resources.

Infrared sensors provide detailed tracking through smoke and cloud

FireSat uses advanced multispectral infrared sensors developed by Muon Space.

The sensors were designed in consultation with fire agencies, scientists and modelers to address data requirements for fire perimeter mapping, intensity measurement and movement prediction.

The satellite operates in low Earth orbit and has a 1,500 kilometre observation swath with a 50 metre ground sample resolution, according to Muon Space.

Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer said: “These first images are a powerful demonstration of what we built FireSat to do.

“We’re seeing clear, actionable detection of wildfire activity across multiple regions, which will provide an invaluable tool for first responders.

“While early detection is important, what’s equally critical is FireSat’s ability to support ongoing fire management by tracking a fire’s progression and behaviour.”

The satellite’s capability to see through smoke and cloud cover enables early detection and continued fire tracking across a range of environmental conditions.

Full FireSat constellation expected by 2030

The FireSat Protoflight was launched in March 2025.

Earth Fire Alliance and Muon Space said three operational FireSat satellites will be deployed in 2026, with a long-term plan for more than 50 satellites to be in orbit by 2030.

FireSat will provide twice-daily global observation once the initial operational capability is reached.

Google Research will use artificial intelligence to analyse FireSat images by comparing them with historical data, local weather, and ground conditions to identify active fires and reduce false positives.

Chris Van Arsdale, Google Research Climate & Energy Lead and Chair of the Earth Fire Alliance Board, said: “Paired with advanced AI, this data will be invaluable for fire authorities and Earth science.

“FireSat’s first wildfire images are precisely what we envisioned when we began this research and partnership.”

The satellite network is expected to assist with predictive fire modelling and improve understanding of fire development under changing climate conditions.

US cost savings and emissions prevention projected

According to Earth Fire Alliance, the FireSat system could deliver measurable benefits in the United States once operational.

Internal projections indicate that a one-hour revisit rate from the satellite could result in an annual saving of over $1 billion in fire damage.

The Alliance estimates that FireSat could help protect 3,500 homes and reduce burned land by 1.3 million acres each year.

It could also prevent the release of 21.9 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually in the United States alone, the Alliance said.

The Early Adopter Programme launched in June 2025 will allow fire agencies and researchers to test and refine FireSat data ahead of full deployment.

The Earth Fire Alliance said this work has been made possible through support from Google, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Environmental Defense Fund, and other partners.

FireSat satellite captures first wildfire images for global fire monitoring: Summary

Earth Fire Alliance has released the first wildfire images from the FireSat Protoflight satellite.

The system captured a previously undetected fire in Oregon, USA.

The FireSat satellite is able to detect fires as small as 5 by 5 metres.

Images were also captured from fires in Canada and Australia.

The satellite uses multispectral infrared sensors built by Muon Space.

The system operates in low Earth orbit with a 1,500 km observation swath.

A total of 50 satellites are expected to be operational by 2030.

Google Research will apply AI to compare current and historical images.

The goal is to assist early fire detection and predictive fire modelling.

Projected annual US savings include over $1 billion in damages avoided.

The FireSat Early Adopter Programme began in June 2025.

The programme is supported by philanthropic and research partners.