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.