In the Tahoe-Truckee region, community resource agencies and fire departments are actively working to enhance wildfire prevention efforts. Amy Berry, CEO of Tahoe Fund, emphasized the importance of forest health as the top priority. According to her, losing the forest would have detrimental effects on the entire community. To address this issue, several organizations in the region are introducing BurnBot technology to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration.
BurnBot technology is a proactive approach that uses remote control to reduce hazardous forest fuels in steep slopes and dense vegetation areas. Anukool Lakhina, CEO of BurnBot, highlighted that 90% of wildfires are human-caused, emphasizing the importance of prevention. The BurnBot machine consumes 10 to 12 gallons of fuel a day, allowing crews to work efficiently without the need for additional fuel supplies. This technology not only fortifies communities and critical infrastructure but also helps to protect sensitive habitats by removing dead vegetation before the threat of a destructive fire.
Ryan Gibson, Regional Manager of Northern California BurnBot, explained that treating areas with BurnBot technology improves fire crews’ ability to suppress fires quickly, significantly reducing the impact on communities and the environment. Chief Ryan Sommers of North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District added that implementing this technology is crucial for protecting communities and preserving natural habitats in the region.
By taking a proactive approach to wildfire prevention through collaborative efforts and innovative technologies like BurnBot, fire and community resource agencies in the Tahoe-Truckee region are making significant strides towards protecting both people and nature from devastating wildfires.