|
Stanford, CA – This week, CAL FIRE is joining wildfire leaders, researchers, and technology experts from around the world to strengthen international partnerships and advance solutions to the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, CAL FIRE co-hosted the inaugural International Wildfire Convening at Stanford University alongside the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator, FireWERX, and Wildfire International. The invitation-only gathering brought together more than 120 participants representing more than 19 countries across six continents. The convening was supported through Stanford's Fire Innovation Initiative, a collaboration focused on advancing innovation and solutions to wildfire challenges.
Today, at the Red Sky Summit in San Francisco, CAL FIRE is joining wildfire leaders, technology innovators, and industry partners to advance collaboration and explore technology-based solutions to the growing wildfire crisis.
The convening provided an opportunity for international fire agencies, scientists, policymakers, and technology leaders to share operational experience, explore emerging innovations, and identify opportunities for greater cooperation. Discussions focused on improving wildfire intelligence, sharing technology and data, strengthening cross-border coordination, and advancing solutions to better protect communities.
CAL FIRE’s Fire Innovation Unit, established in partnership with FireWERX, serves as the department’s hub for developing and deploying next-generation wildfire technology and operational improvements. Bringing together public, private, academic, Tribal, and philanthropic partners, the unit identifies challenges faced by firefighters and works to develop practical solutions that improve firefighter safety and operational efficiency. Through its Innovation, Outreach and Coordination Unit and Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, CAL FIRE evaluates emerging technologies, conducts research and field testing, and helps move proven innovations into use across the state.
"The wildfire crisis is global in scale, and so are the solutions," said Chris Anthony, Founder and CEO of FireWERX. "What excites me most about this convening is connecting the ecosystem of international wildfire agencies together, so that agencies leading the way can learn from one another, and we can link their needs with innovation and research, benefiting agencies and communities around the world."
“We’re excited to bring together Stanford’s scientists and innovators with the experience and expertise of CAL FIRE, FireWERX, Wildfire International, and wildfire professionals from around the world,” said Gemma Guilera Ferre, Managing Director for Climate Adaptation & Planetary Intelligence, Stanford Sustainability Accelerator. Each of us brings unique perspectives, knowledge, and capabilities, and we believe these direct interactions will create valuable opportunities to learn from one another, spark new collaborations, and accelerate innovative solutions that can make a real difference globally.”
| 
