FireVision: An AI-Powered Decision-Support Platform Leveraging NASA Earth Science Data for Wildfire Risk, Mitigation, and Response

FireVision is a next-generation AI-powered wildfire decision-support platform developed by Opal AI, designed to transform NASA Earth Science data into actionable tools for wildfire risk prediction, mitigation, and emergency response. Built on a multi-modal foundation model using remote sensing inputs (e.g., NISAR, MODIS, Landsat-8, VIIRS), FireVision generates high-resolution (≤30m) dynamic fuel maps, Fire Potential Indices (FPIs), and real-time fire spread simulations. The Phase II effort will extend FireVision’s capability to Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas and integrate uncertainty analysis, a web-based simulation dashboard, and an AI-powered decision-support assistant. Funding will support the development, testing, and validation of the platform across high-risk areas in California and Texas. Commercialization will be accelerated through collaborations with fire agencies and utilities, including LADWP and Austin Energy. Key deliverables include an operational web tool, immersive simulation interface, and a comprehensive WUI vulnerability model. FireVision aims to empower emergency responders, utilities, and planners with data-driven insights to reduce wildfire risk, protect communities, and improve decision-making.
Benefits: FireVision directly supports NASA’s strategic goals of transforming Earth observation data into tools that benefit society. Aligned with NASA’s 2024 Earth Science to Action Strategy and the FireSense initiative, FireVision uses data from missions like NISAR, MODIS, VIIRS, and LANCE to model vegetation conditions, detect fires, and forecast fire spread. The system’s AI-driven analytics, uncertainty modeling, and decision-support interfaces help operationalize NASA data for rapid response. FireVision can enhance NASA’s capabilities in wildfire monitoring, improve data assimilation in fire forecasting models, and support field validation for projects like FASMEE. By extending the use of NASA Earth Science assets to WUI zones, the platform also helps advance national preparedness for climate-exacerbated fire events. FireVision is an ideal candidate for NASA disaster applications and may be integrated into future initiatives focused on community resilience, disaster response, and environmental risk reduction. The wildfire crisis presents a rapidly growing market opportunity for advanced risk assessment and mitigation technologies. FireVision targets electric utilities, fire agencies, insurers, and regional planning organizations seeking real-time wildfire intelligence. Letters of support from LADWP, Austin Energy, San Bernardino Fire, and others confirm strong demand for immersive wildfire visualization, live fire spread simulation, and predictive risk dashboards. FireVision’s SaaS business model includes tiered offerings for state agencies, utilities, and local governments. Additional commercial opportunities include licensing its WUI vulnerability model to insurers and bundling its AI-driven tools with public safety systems. With increasing regulatory and liability pressures on utilities and fire-prone municipalities, FireVision is uniquely positioned to fill a critical technology gap. A commercialization roadmap is in place, supported by pre-seed commitments and partnerships with Mandala Space Ventures, Capella Space, and Watch Duty. The platform is expected to generate $13.5M ARR by year three post-launch.