The Bezos Earth Fund has announced a $26 million investment to support FireSat, the world’s first satellite constellation designed specifically for global wildfire detection and prevention.
The funding will help Earth Fire Alliance launch and operate the first three FireSat satellites, which are expected to begin monitoring wildfire risks from space in 2026. The technology aims to provide faster warnings and help communities respond before fires become uncontrollable.
Wildfires are becoming a growing global challenge as climate change creates hotter and drier conditions that increase the risk of destructive fire events. These fires threaten communities, ecosystems, biodiversity, and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
FireSat uses advanced infrared satellite technology to detect small fires soon after ignition. The initial satellites will monitor vulnerable regions, including areas such as the Amazon Basin, and provide wildfire information to emergency agencies and researchers.
By 2029, the FireSat network aims to detect fires as small as 15 feet by 15 feet anywhere in the world within an hour. Once fully developed in the early 2030s with around 50 satellites, the system is expected to monitor the entire planet every 20 minutes or less.
The project is being developed by Earth Fire Alliance with support from technology partners and global organizations. Fire agencies and scientific groups across regions including North America, Africa, Australia, and South America are preparing to use the data to improve wildfire response.
The investment represents a major step toward using space technology to protect communities, preserve forests, and reduce the environmental impact of uncontrolled wildfires.
