New AI system aims to help first responders spot and fight California wildfires
By Tracy Escobedo
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SALINAS, Calif. (KSBW) — Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation (PG&E), Salesforce, Lockheed Martin and Wells Fargo just launched a new venture in efforts to prevent wildfires across California.
EMBERPOINT is a venture that utilizes artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and integrated command-and-control technologies to help first responders detect, prevent and fight wildfires.
Wildfires are prevalent in California, and fire activity tends to rise by August. In 2025, CAL FIRE responded to 603,738 emergency responses and 8,036 wildfires.
Lockheed Martin will contribute by providing prediction and detection response to first responders, PG&E will use its wildfire mitigation experience to keep track of deploying risk management programs across communities, Salesforce will provide data digitally, and Wells Fargo will help fund the venture.
“It’s time to change the way we think about wildfires and bring the best of American technology and know-how to this growing threat to lives and property,” Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO Jim Taiclet said. “Devastating wildfires are on the rise and this new partnership brings four leading companies in the aerospace, electrical power, tech and financial industries together to address this national problem.”
The EMBERPOINT team and technologies will be built out in the coming months, targeting demonstrations in 2026.
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