Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Teen's AI Wildfire Detection System Saves Lives Globally
When Franco Viau was 16, he saw his loved ones' homes burn in a wildfire.
Instead of feeling helpless, he created an AI system called Satellites on Fire to detect and track wildfires.
It uses pictures from satellites and sends alerts to firefighters.
Now, at 21, his invention is used in many countries to stop fires from becoming big problems.
Franco Rodriguez Viau, 21, created Satellites on Fire after losing loved ones' homes in Argentine wildfires.
The AI-powered platform uses satellite imagery and real-time simulations to detect and track wildfires.
It sends alerts with fire location and spread forecasts to first responders via WhatsApp.
Satellites on Fire is used in 19 countries and has helped prevent hundreds of fires from becoming disasters.
Viau started the project at 16, driven by the desire to improve early fire detection and save lives.
- Who
- Franco Rodriguez Viau
- What
- Created Satellites on Fire, an AI-powered wildfire detection system
- When
- Started at 16, now 21
- Where
- Argentina, used in 19 countries
- Why
- To improve early fire detection and save lives
- Initiation Age
- 16
- Current Age
- 21
- Countries Using System
- 19
- Satellites Used
- 8 (NASA, NOAA, European Space Agency)
- Alert Recipient
- First responders via WhatsApp