705 replies to this topic

[max.bravo]

Very little info on how the technology works https://www.skywardw...tion_technology

 

I presume they send a drone into the storm cell? Looks like it uses AI to predict storm cells most likely to cause lightning.

 

Those who believe in "chemtrails" will have a field day with this one.

[Victoria Watcher]

I wonder what percentage of lightning ground strikes start a forest fire.

[Victoria Watcher]

I wonder what percentage of lightning ground strikes start a forest fire.

 

 

AI:

 

 

Very few lightning strikes actually start forest fires, with research indicating that in many regions of Canada, less than one in 200 (or less than 0.5%) of strikes result in a wildfire. Despite this, lightning is responsible for the vast majority of total area burned, often accounting for 85% to 93% of the burned area in Canada. [1, 2, 3]

[lanforod]

This reminds me of Twisters 2 a lot.

[Victoria Watcher]

A Vancouver Island helicopter company will be part of Canada’s new federally funded aerial firefighting fleet aimed at boosting wildfire response capacity across the country.

The federal government announced this week it is investing $316.7 million over five years to establish a national aerial firefighting surge program through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

As part of the program, VIH Helicopters has secured a contract to provide two Sikorsky S-92A heavy helicopters for the 2026 wildfire season. The aircraft will be available from May 22 through Oct. 18.

 

https://cheknews.ca/...-fleet-1326497/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 25 May 2026 - 09:44 AM.

[Mike K.]

It's a very quiet wildfire season so far.