Innovation & Tech
Toronto Startup Develops AI Tool for Forest Fire Detection
A tech firm in downtown Toronto has launched an early-warning system using satellite data and machine learning to predict wildfire risks.
June 12, 2025 at 19:44 — By By Horizon Tribune Editorial Team
A Toronto-based startup is gaining attention for its development of an innovative AI-powered system designed to detect and predict forest fires across Canada. Using real-time satellite imagery, environmental data, and machine learning, the technology promises to significantly enhance early warning capabilities for emergency services and communities in high-risk areas.
The company, EmberTech Solutions, was founded by a group of University of Toronto alumni with backgrounds in computer science, environmental science, and data analytics. Their flagship platform, dubbed FireCast, analyzes a combination of heat signatures, wind patterns, and topography to flag potential fire zones before smoke is visible.
“What we’re offering is not just a detection tool, but a predictive model,” explained CEO Yara El-Amin. “Our algorithms continuously learn from past fire behavior to assess the probability of ignition in specific regions, even days in advance.”
The technology recently completed a pilot program in British Columbia in collaboration with provincial wildfire authorities. According to preliminary results, FireCast successfully predicted flare-ups in two remote areas that would have otherwise gone unnoticed for several hours.
Officials say that in wildfire scenarios, minutes matter. “Early intervention can mean the difference between a controllable burn and a disaster,” said Mark Hammond, a wildfire operations officer in Kamloops. “EmberTech’s system gave us a head start — and that’s invaluable.”
The platform’s interface is designed for accessibility. First responders, park rangers, and emergency planners can log in to view heat maps, receive automated alerts, and even simulate how a fire might spread under projected weather conditions.
In Toronto, where the startup is headquartered, EmberTech is collaborating with the city’s innovation hub and academic institutions to further refine the platform. The company also received a federal grant under the Green Technology Innovation Program, which supports climate resilience initiatives.
El-Amin said the team is particularly focused on ensuring that the system works equitably for rural and Indigenous communities, which are often more vulnerable to forest fire impacts. They’ve engaged in consultations with First Nations emergency services to adapt the tool for different geographies and connectivity levels.
The project arrives at a time when climate change is contributing to longer and more intense wildfire seasons across North America. In 2023, Canada saw its worst wildfire season on record, with over 18 million hectares burned — prompting calls for better forecasting and rapid response tools.
Beyond Canada, EmberTech has received inquiries from international governments, including those in Australia and Portugal, who are facing similar challenges. The team is currently exploring licensing agreements and cloud partnerships to support global expansion.
While still in its early stages, FireCast’s success underscores the growing role of AI in addressing environmental crises. Industry observers are watching closely, with several venture capital firms reportedly expressing interest in future investment rounds.
EmberTech plans to release a public dashboard this fall, allowing anyone to explore fire risk maps for their area. 'Transparency builds trust,' El-Amin said. 'We want to give people the tools to protect themselves and their communities.'
From a modest office near Spadina Avenue, the team at EmberTech is proving that homegrown innovation can tackle global problems — one data point at a time.