AFAC has become a member of Global AI Collaborative: Wildfires, a strategic initiative by Google.org (the philanthropic arm of Google) bringing together leading not-for-profits, academic institutions, government agencies, and companies to help people and communities better manage fires by using AI.

With support from Google.org, AFAC has established the Bushfire and Emerging Technology Hub project, with the intention to support member bushfire and land management agencies to improve how Australia detects, tracks and responds to bushfires.

Major areas of the project involve:

• an environmental scan to assess the current state of satellite technologies, aircraft and drones, cameras and sensor detection equipment, and communications and warnings technologies. The scan will dive into the risks and challenges while identifying pathways for future opportunities
• a grant application process for member agencies to fund innovative projects that demonstrate the practical application of technological benefits in real-world scenarios
• collaboration and capacity building across agencies to maximise the effectiveness of new technologies and support coordinated bushfire management efforts. This will be facilitated through the new Bushfire and Emergency Technology Hub.

Since the grant was awarded, the AFAC project team and member-led Steering Committee have both been established. The Steering Committee is a working group of AFAC’s Rural and Land Manager’s Group and is chaired by NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie. Other Steering Committee members include James Carter from Forestry Corp NSW, Frazer Wilson from Department of Energy, Enironment and Climate Action, Steph Rotarangi from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Jake Bradley from ACT Environment Significance Opinion, Troy Spinks from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Jackson Parker from Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Alen Slijepcevic from Country Fire Authority, and Sandra Whight from AFAC.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in harnessing the potential of AI and emerging technologies to strengthen bushfire resilience across Australian and New Zealand.

It is planned to open a call for grants from members to participate in this project during the last week of September 2025.

For more information on the Global AI Collaborative Wildfires or the grant submission process, please contact AFAC’s Samantha Alexander or Owen Ziebell.