Partnership launches new wildfire detection initiative
– Lockheed Martin, PG&E Corporation, Salesforce, and Wells Fargo recently announced the launch of Emberpoint LLC, a new venture focused on wildfire prevention, detection, and response, according to a press release.
The companies said the purpose-built venture will integrate next-generation wildfire technologies to help first responders detect fires earlier, prevent their spread, and improve coordination during mitigation and response efforts.
Emberpoint will use artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and integrated command-and-control technologies to support wildfire prevention and response. Agencies and utilities will be able to access established systems without incurring development costs, according to the announcement.
Lockheed Martin will contribute prediction and detection capabilities, along with autonomous response and suppression technologies designed to enable early intervention during wildfire ignition. The company said these systems draw from its experience with space- and ground-based sensing, autonomous air and land platforms, and command-and-control systems.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, will contribute wildfire mitigation experience, including risk management programs deployed across multiple regions. Contributions from Pacific Gas and Electric Company are subject to regulatory approval, according to the announcement.
Salesforce will provide a digital infrastructure for the venture, integrating multiple data streams into a unified, real-time response system. The company said its technology will support cross-organization coordination to accelerate wildfire response.
Wells Fargo is funding the venture through a capital investment.
Company officials described wildfires as an escalating national issue, citing increased frequency, size, and intensity, as well as economic and environmental impacts. They said the venture is intended to support firefighters and emergency responders with coordinated tools and technology to improve response speed and safety.
“It’s time to change the way we think about wildfires and bring the best of American technology and know-how to this growing threat to lives and property,” said Jim Taiclet, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin. “Devastating wildfires are on the rise, and this new partnership brings four leading companies in the aerospace, electrical power, tech, and financial industries together to address this national problem.”
“This partnership underscores our commitment to ending catastrophic wildfires,” said Patti Poppe, chief executive officer of PG&E Corporation. “We plan to seek regulatory approval to pair Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s on-the-ground experience with our partners’ advanced technology, and properly scale how we identify risk, prevent incidents, and protect the people and ecosystems we serve for the benefit of all society.”
“Agentforce and Slack are powerful tools that can be used to solve the most pressing challenges,” said John Somorjai, chief corporate development and investments officer at Salesforce. “We look forward to integrating our world-class AI capabilities with the specialized expertise of our partners to combat the escalating threat of wildfires.”
The companies said Emberpoint’s team and technologies will be developed in the coming months, with demonstrations planned in 2026.
