Germany gives startup grant for new wildfire tech which fights forest fires with less water
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The German Federal Environmental Foundation (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU) has granted €125,000 to the Munich-based startup Caurus Technologies to develop a modular system aimed at enhancing wildfire detection and suppression efficiency.
This initiative seeks to address the increasing global threat of wildfires, which are exacerbated by climate change and result in significant environmental and property damage.
Read more on the website of DBU
Caurus Technologies is focusing on two main innovations:
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Advanced Aerial Firefighting Technology: The company is developing a system for aerial firefighting using aircraft, helicopters, or drones. This system employs sensors and cameras housed in aluminum containers to assess real-time conditions at fire sites, enabling precise identification of optimal water drop zones. The goal is to create a water-aerosol cloud that can extinguish fires up to ten times more effectively than traditional methods, thereby conserving water resources.
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Improved Water Deployment Mechanism: Traditional aerial firefighting methods often release water from high altitudes, leading to dispersion and reduced effectiveness. Caurus Technologies aims to deploy water containers that release their contents directly within the fire zone, ensuring more efficient use of water and enhancing firefighting effectiveness.
DBU Secretary General Alexander Bonde emphasized the urgency of innovative solutions in wildfire management, noting that the risk of wildfires is increasing both in Germany and internationally due to climate change. He highlighted that in 2023, the number of wildfires in Germany was approximately 44% higher than the long-term average since 1991.
With the DBU's support, Caurus Technologies plans to rigorously test and refine their prototype sensor device to make it market-ready. Concurrently, the team is working on enhancing the effectiveness of the aerosol cloud and improving the environmental friendliness of the water container materials. The company also envisions the future integration of drones into their firefighting strategy to further bolster efficiency and safety.