As Malibu mayor Mikke Pierson watches his hometown burn, he’s searching for answers on how to combat raging wildfires. With new technology emerging as a potential solution, experts believe that the future of firefighting may lie in innovative systems designed to protect homes and lives.
HiberTec Homes, developed by Holden Forrest, is one such system. A home can descend underground in 15 minutes, protected by a sliding, fire-resistant cover, disconnecting utilities automatically. The concept started as a thought experiment five years ago and has taken three patents and eight engineers to bring it to life.
Another solution gaining traction is FireDome, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Gadi Benjamini’s autonomous system can detect and shoot out water or fire retardant on hotspots up to a quarter mile away, covering 100 acres. With tests underway, the aim is to build a system in California by 2026.
Both HiberTec Homes and FireDome demonstrate how technology can aid in wildfire prevention. As Benjamini notes, “We need to think of battling wildfires just as we battle in the battlefield.” With innovative thinking and advancements in technology, the future of firefighting looks brighter.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/a-house-that-hides-underground-to-survive-wildfires