The Fire Break | Innovations in Wildfire

Dr. Lee Haddad, BurnBot


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Dr. Lee Haddad, co-founder of BurnBot, discusses the development and capabilities of the BurnBot machine, which is designed to travel through forests and burn vegetation to create fire breaks. The machine operates with a small crew and uses technology to contain the fire and reduce smoke and embers. The goal is to scale up production and have a fleet of machines to make a significant impact in wildfire prevention. The machine's design and performance are constantly being improved, with a focus on manufacturability, reliability, usability, and serviceability. The BurnBot machine has the potential to not only create fire breaks but also mitigate invasive grass species and promote the growth of native grasses. The conversation between Lee Haddad and Steve Wolf focused on the use of the BurnBot technology for wildfire mitigation and prescribed burning. They discussed the safety measures in place to prevent escapes and the potential for using sensors and imaging technology to enhance the effectiveness of the BurnBot. They also explored the need for a suite of tools, including mechanical thinning and mastication, to address wildfire risks. The conversation touched on the challenges of securing funding for innovative solutions and the importance of balancing risk and progress in the field of wildfire management.

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The Fire Break | Innovations in WildfireBy Steve Wolf | Wildfire Scientist