Seneca

Protect civilization from fire

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

In a technoutopian future, autonomous systems can find, coordinate, and suppress fires with precision - auto-adjusting for shifting winds - and can knock or slow them down before they grow. It will be safer for firefighters when they arrive and it will keep communities protected and insured.

This week, we demonstrated this capability in Sonoma, California. Multiple autonomous suppression craft coordinated, targeted, and suppressed an early fire in mid-windy conditions across multiple staged initial attack strikes.

In advance of the @RedSkySummit, we were joined by leaders from @SBCOUNTYFIRE, @AspenFireDept, @CALFIRE_PIO, @NovatoFireDist, @PGE4Me, @GlendaleFireCA, @UCBerkeley, @tahoefund, and our home agency @GoldridgeFire.

[Stuart Landesberg @Stu_Land]

On Tuesday, November 3rd, @Seneca_Systems flew the world’s first seven-aircraft coordinated multi-mission demonstration. It was an honor to do it in front of the world’s foremost fire leaders at Jump the Fence Test Range in Northern California, as a part of the @RedSkySummit.

The following day, we ran the world’s first remotely-controlled live night operations. Extremely proud of the @Seneca_Systems team and more motivated every day.

It’s humbling to build in alongside public servants who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting our communities. Thank you to @billclerico and the @RedSkySummit team for supporting the fire community -- we’re lucky to be a part of it.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

RT @Stu_Land: Today, Seneca announces that @SBCOUNTYFIRE has become the first agency in California to acquire a @Seneca_Systems Strike Team…

[Convective @convectivecap]

Seneca founder @Stu_Land is building autonomous aircraft to stop wildfires before they become megafires.

• 100+ lbs of fire suppressant
• 100+ PSI
• AI-powered navigation
• 5-10 minute response time

The goal: give firefighters the advantage while a fire is still small enough to contain.

[Matt Weiner @MegafireMatt]

Awesome to see California leaning into the great innovation happening in firetech - and game changing work coming from @Seneca_Systems and @Stu_Land

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

A privilege to build with you, @CAL_FIRE and FireWERX. Many thanks for your partnership and commitment to the mission.

[CAL FIRE @CAL_FIRE]

Wednesday marked another step forward in the future of wildfire response. CAL FIRE’s Fire Innovation Unit, FireWERX, and Seneca came together to demonstrate next-generation autonomous UAS technology that has the potential to transform wildfire operations.

Through a first-of-its-kind partnership, CAL FIRE and FireWERX are accelerating innovation by bringing together public, private, academic, and nonprofit partners to rapidly advance emerging technologies from concept to the field.

Together, we’re building the next generation of tools to improve firefighter safety, strengthen community resilience, and enhance California’s wildfire response.

📷 @Seneca_Systems

#CALFIRE #Innovation #FIU #FireWERX #Wildfire #UAS #Technology

[Stuart Landesberg @Stu_Land]

"Picture a Waymo, but in the sky.

That's the idea behind Sausalito-based company @Seneca_Systems's new drone. The technology can be operated by a tablet or cellphone, and it can offer a much faster response than a traditional hand crew on the ground."

We are lucky to live in the moment where advanced technology starts to improve the world in material ways!!

Thanks for the great story @kcranews & My58 Television.

Link in first comment

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

As our country celebrated 250 years, we spent the day with the men and women of the @AspenFireDept. To the firefighters across our nation, working tirelessly to protect our communities, thank you for your courage and service.

[Raymond Tonsing @tonsing]

Team @Seneca_Systems just delivered the first ever, rapid response fire suppression drone system to the Aspen fire department 🇺🇸. Congratulations!

[Stuart Landesberg @Stu_Land]

Grateful to see @Seneca_Systems on this list. But more physical AI needs to go into applications serving out communities, and stewarding our planet.

If you want to build AI + robotics for good, come join us. Link to careers below, or DM me.

Thx to our friends @BessemerVP for putting this together.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

We must tell optimistic stories about the future of wildfire. Many thanks to @billclerico, @KatManalac and the @disasterproofHQ team for sharing the story of Seneca -- and how autonomous early response can create meaningful change in the future of wildfire.

[Bill Clerico @billclerico]

When a wildfire starts in red flag conditions, there's about a ~20-minute window after ignition when it’s stoppable. It’s almost impossible for firefighters today to get there in time.

In this episode of Disasterproof, I visited @Stu_Land at @seneca_systems. Their fire suppression drones are trying to change that.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

@HotshotWake is the most thoughtful voice on all things wildfire. Their ongoing coverage of how technology can support the fire service is essential listening.

Check out yesterday's episode covering our upcoming deployment with the @AspenFireDept.

[The Hotshot Wake Up @HotshotWake]

New Episode Out: link below

On Today’s Show:

* Colorado has purchased a strike team of wildfire drones from Seneca for wildfire suppression. The large suppression drones can deliver 50 gallons of foam, for a total of 250 gallons per strike team.

* They are looking at creating permanent wildfire drone bases across the state.

* Ring doorbell cameras have launched a program that feeds your home camera footage into AI to detect wildfires. “Fire Watch.”

* California cities have begun Zone Zero rules for home hardening. Residents who do not comply with the 5-foot rule could face fines as early as this June.

* The Western Governors Association releases a statement on snowpack deficits, saying it will use cloud seeding to address them. Nine states now have active programs, with Utah’s Program now the largest in the world.

* Arizona fire agencies sign on to pilot program to use OroraTech’s wildfire satellite detection system and fire progression algorithm.

* British Columbia boosts wildfire budgets and workforce.

* Full operational update.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

"We have this incredibly talented, devoted group of public servants. We want to give them the best technology in the world.” - Founder & CEO @Stu_Land

Thank you to @cfarivar and @arstechnica for covering our upcoming deployment with the @AspenFireDept.

[Ars Technica @arstechnica]

Firefighting drones head to Aspen—can they suppress a blaze before humans arrive? https://t.co/KIyUWsIRnc

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

Night ops are coming.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

The U.S. has a long history of leading the world in innovation through exceptional public, private partnerships.

Grateful for @GovofCO's leadership in advancing the next generation of resilience.

[Governor Jared Polis @GovofCO]

Colorado continues to lead with practical, forward-thinking solutions to prepare for, prevent, and respond to wildfires. I’m proud Aspen is taking this first-in-the-nation step as we all work to get ahead of fires and protect lives, landscapes, and mountain communities.

As fire seasons grow longer and conditions become more unpredictable, innovative technology strengthens our response and supports the tireless work of first responders. From addressing the mountain pine beetle outbreak along the Front Range to supporting wildfire mitigation across the state, Colorado is taking bold action to keep our communities and forests safe.
https://t.co/nN96W2kevE

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

https://t.co/DqWygVA30h

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

The future of firefighting is coming to Aspen.

As Chief Andersen states, "It's another tool in the toolbox that makes our communities safer, more insurable, and makes our firefighters safer."

Thank you @ShannonOgden1 and @DenverChannel for having founder & CEO @Stu_Land on to highlight our groundbreaking partnership with the @AspenFireDept.

Full story in the comments below.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

It's an honor to partner with the @AspenFireDept and we're grateful for the ongoing support of the local community.

[Stuart Landesberg @Stu_Land]

Fire is an issue of great importance to our nation. But, it is fundamentally a local issue, starting with the local Fire Department, local bureaus, local community action. So, it was terrific to talk to the local @NPR station @aspenpubradio about what @Seneca_Systems launch with @AspenFireDept means.

As Chief Andersen puts it: this is "what most people think is going to be the future of firefighting."

We agree, and are working non-stop to make that reality. 🇺🇸 🫡

Big thanks to @michaeljfanelli for the thoughtful article. Great connecting. Link in first comment.

[Stuart Landesberg @Stu_Land]

Fire is an issue of great importance to our nation. But, it is fundamentally a local issue, starting with the local Fire Department, local bureaus, local community action. So, it was terrific to talk to the local @NPR station @aspenpubradio about what @Seneca_Systems launch with @AspenFireDept means.

As Chief Andersen puts it: this is "what most people think is going to be the future of firefighting."

We agree, and are working non-stop to make that reality. 🇺🇸 🫡

Big thanks to @michaeljfanelli for the thoughtful article. Great connecting. Link in first comment.

[Stuart Landesberg @Stu_Land]

Today @Seneca_Systems announces a five year contract with @AspenFireDept to bring a Seneca Strike Team of five aircraft plus a Mobile Air Operations Base to Aspen this summer.

This is the first fire department acquisition of an autonomous aerial fire suppression system in the world. It is a testament to the work of the exceptional team at Seneca. And it will protect an irreplaceable natural environment and thousands of Americans, their homes and businesses.

We want to work alongside people who make us better. It is a privilege we do not take lightly to roll this out in with Chief Jacob Andersen and the whole extraordinary team at Aspen Fire.

Colorado has a long history of wildfire. The famous South Canyon fire in 1994 killed 14 firefighters. 4 of the 5 largest fires in CO history happened since 2020. And now - CO has red flag warnings in February, the middle of winter. The need has never been greater.

Technology is our best chance to hold back the effects of wildfire in a changing world. We are grateful for the responsibility and privilege of doing that this summer in Aspen.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

Colorado’s diverse terrain demands tools that support firefighters in use cases that were previously unsafe, inefficient, or impossible.

Last week, Seneca partnered with @WestMetroFire, @VailFire, @RWBFire, @EagleRiverFire, and @jeffcosheriffco to demonstrate the future of aerial firefighting.

As peak fire season approaches, we must equip the heroes on the line with the technology they need.

A huge thank you to our hosts Deputy Chief Mike Kirkpatrick, Deputy Chief Ryan Ocepek, and @aspenfire.