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]

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.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

With snowpack at record lows, Colorado is facing an expanded window of extreme fire risk. We need innovative solutions to force-multiply firefighters in these unprecedented times.

Last week, Seneca was on site with @bouldercounty, @LovelandFRA, @poudrefire, @BldrCOSheriff, and @BoulderRescue to demonstrate remotely deployed missions, suppressing fires over 1000 miles away with the touch of a button.

This is the moment to modernize our firefighting arsenal.

Many thanks to our hosts @aspenfire, Chief Carie Dann, and Hunter Ray.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

One year ago today, high winds in the Palisades turned a small ember—likely left over from mop-up operations—into a devastating urban-conflagration fire. Firefighters were stretched dangerously thin, but their relentless efforts saved lives and prevented an even greater catastrophe.

Our hearts go out to everyone living with the aftermath of the fires, from brave firefighters facing the effects of prolonged toxin exposure, to homeowners still struggling to rebuild. Our gratitude remains immense for the first responders who courageously ran towards danger when they were needed most.

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

Chief Brian Fennessy has been selected as the inaugural Director of the United States Wildland Fire Service. His mission-driven leadership, commitment to firefighter safety, and implementation of innovative technology will ensure the USWFS delivers for those on the front lines and the communities they protect.

We’re sincerely grateful for Chief Fennessy’s long-standing friendship and guidance since Seneca’s earliest days.

Congratulations, @OCFAChief

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

In anticipation of our collaborative demonstration with @SBCOUNTYFIRE, Founder & CEO @Stu_Land joined the San Bernardino PIO Podcast to discuss firefighter safety, advances in autonomous aircraft, and reshoring American manufacturing.

It is a privilege to build alongside our nation’s courageous firefighters. Technological innovation is how we will keep our heroes and communities safe, and ultimately win against out of control fire.

Listen to the full podcast here: https://t.co/O9pbxpiWIk

[Seneca @Seneca_Systems]

"In San Bernardino County we have a vision of keeping wildfire 100 square feet or less… this is a far departure of the industry standard of 10 acres or less. We can only achieve this ambitious goal with an ambitious vision. Seneca is a huge part of that vision." - Dan Munsey, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

An honor to demonstrate our capabilities with San Bernardino County Fire this week.

We need to stop small fires before they become megafires. This is the moment to modernize our firefighting arsenal.

[San Bernardino County Fire @SBCOUNTYFIRE]

San Bernardino, CA - Our ongoing exploration into new and emerging technologies as a forward-thinking agency has led us to Seneca. This week we hosted a demonstration of their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is a semi-autonomous fire suppression drone, built here in California, and is designed to supercharge firefighters and revolutionize responses to vegetation fires.

Our goal at County Fire is to keep vegetation fires small. The best way to do that is with early detection and advanced technology. The Seneca Argo-1 represents this advance technology, with its autonomous flight, thermal tracking, precision targeting, and high-powered suppression capabilities. The Seneca platform acts a force multiplier and is the next generation of aerial fire suppression technology.

#SBCoFD is committed to leveraging innovation to strengthen firefighter safety, improve operational efficiency, and better protect the communities we serve. Visit https://t.co/E0BV50a5Pg to learn more about the technology.

Contact: Shawn Millerick, Public Information Officer
[email protected]

[Adrian Aoun @adrianaoun]

Couldn't be more excited to announce the launch of @Seneca_Systems this week with @Stu_Land

Our first product is an autonomous, AI-powered, rapid response firefighting drone.

We're super fortunate to have raised $60m from amazing folks like @tonsing of @caffeinatedcap, @joshk of @firstround, @mattocko of @DCVC, @wquist and @lessin of @slow, and many others.