Wildfire

News, deep dives, and analysis — every Wildfire story, newest first.

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Nov 10

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Firefighters

Large Remotely Piloted Experimental Aircraft Crash Sparks 83-Acre Colorado Wildfire as Lithium Batteries Intensify Blaze

An experimental remote-controlled aircraft crashed near Calhan, Colorado on October 30, igniting an 83-acre wildfire that forced evacuations and highlighted the growing fire risks posed by lithium battery-powered drones in wildfire-prone regions. The 6-foot wingspan aircraft, operated by a commercial company conducting experimental aircraft testing in eastern El Paso County, crashed around 12:30 P

Haye KestelooNov 1

Drone Companies

Firefighting Drone Startup Seneca Secures Record $60M to Deploy Autonomous Suppression System

California-based startup Seneca has emerged from stealth mode with $60 million in funding to deploy AI-powered autonomous firefighting drones capable of suppressing wildfires within minutes of detection. The round, believed to be the largest early-stage investment in wildfire defense technology, was led by Caffeinated Capital and Convective Capital. Founded by Stuart Landesberg—who previously buil

Haye KestelooOct 25

DJI

Gamer Crashes DJI Mini into Plane, Gets $156K Fine & Jail Time

Akemann’s drone collided with the firefighting plane, punching a football-sized hole in its wing. The plane, one of only two available to fight the blaze

Rafael SuárezSep 23

Skydio

Skydio Unveils New Drones for Indoor and Long-Range Ops

Skydio, the American company famous for its incredible AI-powered autonomous drones, is expanding its lineup in a big way. Building on the

Rafael SuárezSep 19

Drone Operator Faces Charges After Super Scooper Collision

FAA

Drone Pilot Sentenced for Crashing UAV Into Firefighting Aircraft in California

A Culver City man has been sentenced for flying a drone that collided with a firefighting aircraft battling the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, causing significant damage and temporarily grounding the critical water-dropping plane, according to NBC LA. Peter Tripp Akemann, 57, a computer game developer, pleaded guilty in February to a federal class-A misdemeanor…

Haye KestelooSep 15