Google is enhancing its natural disaster tracking systems using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and monitor wildfires and floods

Wildfire Detection and Tracking

Google has improved its wildfire tracking system by advancing the use of satellite imagery. The system can now:

FireSat is designed specifically to detect and track wildfires when they’re as small as a classroom.

https://youtu.be/pmQlXLaHT_Y?si=tXQTvj-yutS_NlBB

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Identify and track wildfires in real-time

Predict fire spread and assist in containment strategies

Currently available in parts of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia

In July 2025, Google's wildfire tracking system provided valuable information for over 30 large-scale wildfire incidents in the US and Canada, with Google Search and Maps recording over 7 million views related to these events.

Flood Forecasting

Google has developed a flood tracking system that predicts:

When floods will occur

Expected water depths

In 2024, Google sent 115 million flood alerts to 23 million people. The flood tracking system has expanded to:

18 countries, including nations in South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia

Flood Forecasts are displayed on our Flood Hub platform for over 80 countries now including the U.S. and Canada.

Tracking wildfire boundaries

Utilizes AI technology to enable flood tracking in areas with limited available data

FloodHub Platform

Google has globally launched FloodHub, a new platform that visualizes potential flood locations and timings on a world map. FloodHub:

Provides the same flood information as the flood tracking system

Presents data in a more visually accessible format

Offers flood forecasts up to 7 days in advance for over 5,000 locations across river basins in more than 100 countries

AI-Powered Advancements

Google's flood forecasting capabilities have been significantly expanded using AI, potentially benefiting 700 million people worldwide. The enhanced model offers:

Improved accuracy at a seven-day lead time

Integration of more labeled data and a new model architecture

Incorporation of a new weather forecasting model

FireSat Initiative

Google is investing $13 million in the FireSat project, which aims to launch a constellation of over 50 satellites capable of detecting wildfires as small as 16 by 16 feet. The first FireSat satellite is scheduled to launch in early 2025, with the ability to provide updated imagery to firefighters every 20 minutes.

These advancements in AI-driven disaster prediction and monitoring systems demonstrate Google's commitment to leveraging technology for public safety and environmental protection.

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