Israeli Startup Adapts Iron Dome Technology to Combat Wildfires

As wildfires become increasingly destructive and frequent, an Israeli startup is offering a groundbreaking solution inspired by the Iron Dome missile defense system. FireDome, founded by Gadi Benjamini and Dr. Adi Naor Pomerantz, has developed a system designed to combat wildfires with the same precision and efficiency that has protected Israeli civilians from missile attacks.

Benjamini, who served 14 years in the Israel Defense Forces, conceived the idea in January. “What we develop is a system to enhance firefighters’ abilities and capabilities to address more fires simultaneously,” he explained. FireDome’s two-layered system combines advanced technology to prevent fires from spreading and extinguish spot fires caused by embers.

The first layer of protection involves projectiles filled with flame-retardant material launched into areas at risk of ignition. This creates a fire-resistant barrier, stopping flames before they reach vulnerable zones.

The second layer is an AI-powered detection system that identifies and extinguishes spot fires caused by windborne embers, a leading cause of wildfire spread.

FireDome’s system will undergo testing in Israel’s Jerusalem and Carmel forests, regions prone to wildfires, in May. International trials are planned for pilot sites in Los Angeles and San Francisco in 2026.

Benjamini noted how FireDome could have mitigated the devastation caused by recent wildfires in Los Angeles. “Creating a barrier between the wilderness and populated areas could have protected neighborhoods and prevented much of the damage,” he said.

FireDome exemplifies Israel’s ability to repurpose military technology for civilian applications. Like Iron Dome, which intercepts missiles before they reach populated areas, FireDome aims to stop fires before they spread to homes and communities.

This innovation represents a promising step in the global fight against wildfires, providing firefighters with new tools to protect lives and property.

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