Utility infrastructure is both a victim of wildfires and, too often, a cause. This primer explains how utilities can shift from reactive wildfire response to proactive ignition prevention — using AI and physics-based 3D digital models to identify risks before they become incidents.
The guide covers three core strategies:
Identify vegetation encroachment — Model clearance distances across the entire network under simulated fire-weather conditions, not just during scheduled inspections. Find P1 risks before field teams enter the field.
Detect equipment failure risks — Identify ageing or compromised assets that could trigger ignition under high-temperature, high-wind conditions. Prioritise replacement based on physics-based risk scoring, not age alone.
Implement grid-hardening solutions — Use scenario modelling to evaluate the risk reduction value of specific interventions — from conductor replacement to undergrounding — before committing capital.
By analysing LiDAR, GIS, and weather data simultaneously, utilities can simulate wildfire scenarios across their full network with 99% accuracy, enabling systematic risk reduction rather than reactive firefighting.