Forest fires: digital technology and drones at the forefront of risk prevention and management.

Jolanda di Savoia, 06 August 2025 – With summer bringing high temperatures and drought, the risk of wildfires threatens Italian territory every year. According to ISPRA data, in 2024 more than 514 km² were burned, with Sicily, Calabria, and Sardinia among the hardest-hit regions. And 2025 is not looking any better. Legambiente calculated that from January to July there were 653 incidents, with 30,988 hectares lost (equivalent to about 43,400 soccer fields), causing estimated economic losses of over €200 million. The most affected areas were natural landscapes (forests), with 18,115 hectares burned, followed by agricultural land, with 12,733 hectares.

Technology and prevention: a strategic combination
“What is fundamental is prevention. Being able to measure temperatures in different parts of forests is crucial, and today, thanks to modern sensors, it’s possible. An integrated approach is required, combining IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, satellite observation, and now also next-generation drones for monitoring and rapid intervention. This is decisive not only for prevention but also as support during firefighting operations,” explains the group’s CEO, Roberto Mancini.

AI, sensors, IoT networks, and smart drones for surveillance and rescue
Temperature, humidity, smoke, and gas sensors can be installed in forests, parks, or urban areas. Connected through IoT (Internet of Things) networks, they allow real-time monitoring and immediate alerts in case of anomalies. Satellites (such as those from the European Copernicus program) can detect wildfire outbreaks through thermal imaging. Satellite data can also be used to monitor vegetation and predict fire risks. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) further map territories and overlay environmental, meteorological, and fire-risk data.

Tying all of this together are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics. AI systems can analyze historical and environmental data to forecast where fires are most likely to develop. Some software can recognize smoke and flames in real time from surveillance cameras, triggering alert messages.

In addition to satellites, drones can also be deployed. Equipped with night vision tools and infrared thermal cameras, they can operate in extreme conditions. With GPS and autonomous navigation systems, they can fly over rugged, hard-to-reach areas to detect active fires or hotspots, map fire spread in real time, and transmit images to control centers. Drones are also fitted with environmental sensors to detect changes in temperature, humidity, and air quality, as well as SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) software and AI algorithms to create 3D maps, identify obstacles, and locate hidden fire sources.

“These drones not only monitor but also support emergency teams with rapid surveys and georeferenced damage reports, thanks to integration with dedicated apps,” Mancini continues.

Thus, the drone is not just a flying object but becomes a sentinel that thinks, decides, and acts. It can patrol vast areas, maintain control, and act predictively by processing images, thermal maps, routes, and alerts through AI.

Predictive simulations
Among the solutions is the simulation of reality. “Through what is called the digital twin of the territory, it is possible to simulate risk scenarios and plan targeted interventions. Data collected from drones, satellites, and sensors is processed to identify the most vulnerable areas, estimate real-time damage, and prevent fire spread with localized interventions,” Mancini explains.

Finally, in the experimental phase is the use of firefighting robots and unmanned vehicles, which can intervene in areas too dangerous for humans.

Towards true digital prevention
Faster wildfire response, reduced environmental and economic damage, and greater safety for firefighters and the population: the smart evolution is the next step in fire prevention. “Technologies integrate with national prevention strategies and represent a decisive step toward a more efficient, predictive, and sustainable civil protection system. Firefighting can no longer rely only on intervention: a systemic vision is needed that unites innovation, land management, and civic engagement,” Mancini says.