Wildfires are no longer rare, seasonal phenomena—they’re increasingly relentless, destructive, and global. From the golden hills of California to the vast forests of Australia and the Amazon, wildfires are intensifying in both frequency and scale. In 2023 alone, wildfires consumed more than 16 million acres worldwide, displacing thousands, destroying ecosystems, and contributing to the escalating climate crisis (National Interagency Fire Center, 2024). As the Earth warms, the window for fire season grows longer and more unpredictable, making it crucial that we shift from reactive firefighting to proactive fire prevention.
Studying wildfire detection and prevention isn’t just a scientific endeavor—it’s a moral imperative. Early detection can mean the difference between a manageable flame and a catastrophic inferno. It can save homes, wildlife, human lives, and even the cultural and ecological memory stored in ancient landscapes. Moreover, wildfires contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, forming a vicious feedback loop with climate change (van der Werf et al., 2022). The faster we detect and respond to fires, the more we can limit this damage and build resilient communities.
This growing urgency is what makes innovations like those from young trailblazers such as Ryan Honary so inspiring. When a teenager uses artificial intelligence to fight forest fires, it’s more than a feel-good story—it’s a call to reimagine who leads innovation and how we deploy emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. His journey reminds us that even the most complex global challenges can begin to be solved by a simple, human spark: the desire to help.
Meet Ryan Honary: The Teen Who Took on Wildfires with AI
Ryan Honary isn’t your average high school student. At just 17 years old, this Newport Beach native has already made headlines for developing an AI-powered system that can detect wildfires in their earliest stages. His motivation? A deeply personal and terrifying memory.
In 2018, when massive wildfires tore through California, Ryan—then just in fifth grade—struggled to reach his father during an evacuation. “I couldn’t get in contact with him, and I felt so helpless,” he recalled in an interview with NBC Los Angeles (2025). That moment stuck with him, sparking a question that would shape his future: What if we could catch these fires before they became unmanageable?
What began as a humble science fair project evolved into something much larger: SensoRy AI, a sophisticated network of sensors and machine learning models designed to spot the tiniest signs of a fire before it spreads. But Ryan wasn’t content with just building a gadget—he wanted to understand the broader landscape of AI and its potential to help communities like his.
“I realized that AI could see patterns that humans just can’t,” Ryan told Earth.org. “If we could train a system to recognize the early signs of a fire—temperature changes, smoke particles, sudden shifts in humidity—we could alert people before it’s too late.”
For Ryan, learning about artificial intelligence wasn’t just a technical pursuit—it was a philosophical one. At its heart was a question: Can technology help us reclaim control in a world increasingly shaped by natural disasters? His answer was a resounding yes. By teaching machines to “listen” to nature’s early warning signs, he believed we could build smarter, faster, and more humane responses to catastrophe.
What makes Ryan’s story especially compelling is how it highlights a powerful idea: that innovation isn’t reserved for labs or Silicon Valley boardrooms. Sometimes, it starts in a kid’s bedroom with a laptop, a question, and a lot of heart.
As we’ll explore later, the SensoRy AI system he developed is now being tested in fire-prone areas in California, with promising results. But even before diving into the technical wizardry, Ryan’s journey reminds us that real change often starts with empathy—and a refusal to accept the status quo.
Cultivating Innovation: From Curiosity to Capability
Every innovation begins with a question—and sometimes, a little bit of frustration. For Ryan Honary, the spark was the inability to contact his father during the 2018 wildfires. But turning frustration into functional technology takes more than good intentions. It requires curiosity, mentorship, and an environment that says yes to young dreamers.
“I started with a simple sensor I got from a kit online,” Ryan told Business Insider. “It could detect temperature changes, but it wasn’t enough. I needed it to learn—to think.” This instinct led him down the rabbit hole of artificial intelligence, and soon he began training rudimentary models on his computer to distinguish between normal environmental changes and those signaling the start of a wildfire.
Recognizing the potential in his project, Ryan’s father connected him with researchers at UCLA. That’s when his journey shifted gears. He began collaborating with Dr. Pirouz Kavehpour, a mechanical and aerospace engineering professor with expertise in fluid dynamics and sensor integration. Dr. Kavehpour quickly saw Ryan’s unique drive and became a mentor—helping transform the prototype from a science fair demo into a scalable, real-world solution.
“Ryan’s vision was ambitious, but what impressed me most was his willingness to learn and revise,” said Dr. Kavehpour in a UCLA interview. “Most researchers need time to accept when their models are wrong—Ryan adapted immediately. That’s rare.”
Together, they developed what would become SensoRy AI—a network of solar-powered, wireless sensors enhanced with infrared cameras, environmental monitoring tools, and machine learning models. These sensors, small enough to be placed discreetly throughout forests or along highways, could detect anomalies in temperature, humidity, air pressure, and smoke particles. Crucially, the system could communicate with emergency services in real time.
Ryan also worked with mentors from the NSF I-Corps program, which supports early-stage STEM innovators, helping him refine his product-market fit and understand how to bring his invention from the lab to the field. Through that process, Ryan learned not just how to code, but how to think like an entrepreneur.
But innovation isn’t just technical—it’s personal. Ryan credits much of his persistence to his mother and father, who gave him room to explore, fail, and get back up again. “They never told me to stop dreaming,” he said. “Even when it sounded crazy, they just asked, ‘What do you need?’ That’s everything.”
His community played a role too. Newport Beach, often hit by wildfires and Santa Ana winds, became both testbed and motivator. As local fire officials learned about Ryan’s project, they offered feedback and shared what detection tools they lacked in the field. These insights helped Ryan fine-tune SensoRy AI to meet the urgent, real-world needs of fire departments across the state.
What’s particularly heartening about Ryan’s journey is how it exemplifies collaborative innovation. While he may have started alone in his garage, his eventual success relied on a web of supporters—teachers, engineers, scientists, and civic leaders—each contributing a piece of the puzzle.
It’s a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s grown, nurtured, and supported. As Ryan himself said:
“You can’t do it all alone. But if you ask the right questions, people will help you find the answers.”
How SensoRy AI Works: A Fusion of Sensors and Artificial Intelligence
SensoRy AI is an innovative wildfire detection system that integrates advanced sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and alert authorities about wildfires in their earliest stages. Developed by 17-year-old Ryan Honary, this system represents a significant advancement in wildfire management technology.GlobeNewswireABC7 Los Angeles
Core Components of SensoRy AI
- Wireless Mesh Sensor Network: The system employs a network of interconnected sensors that communicate with each other to monitor environmental conditions continuously. This mesh network ensures comprehensive coverage and data relay, even in remote areas lacking traditional communication infrastructure.
- Infrared and Optical Sensors: Each sensor is equipped with infrared technology capable of detecting heat sources as small as one square foot. The sensors’ cameras refresh every few seconds, capturing images that can identify heat sources not directly in their line of sight. Electropages
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Algorithms: The collected data is processed using AI algorithms that analyze patterns indicative of wildfire ignition. These algorithms can differentiate between normal environmental variations and potential fire threats, reducing false positives and enhancing detection accuracy.
Detection and Alert Process
When a sensor detects a potential wildfire, it utilizes the mesh network to relay information from node to node until it reaches a detector with cellular capabilities. This detector then transmits the alert to emergency services, providing real-time data on the fire’s location, predicted growth speed, and direction. This immediate notification enables firefighters to respond swiftly, potentially containing the fire before it spreads. National Law Review+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2GlobeNewswire+2
Real-World Deployment and Impact
SensoRy AI has been deployed in high-risk zones within the Irvine Open Space Preserve in collaboration with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). This area encompasses nearly 40,000 acres of interconnected open space, serving as a crucial ecological corridor. The deployment aims to protect these vulnerable regions by providing early detection and real-time updates to firefighting teams. The Cool Down+2GlobeNewswire+2National Law Review+2
OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy emphasized the system’s significance:National Law Review+2The Cool Down+2GlobeNewswire+2
“Early detection is one of our greatest weapons in what has become a year-round fire season, empowering crews to more safely and effectively execute the robust and rapid initial attack required to keep wildfires small.” The Cool Down+2GlobeNewswire+2National Law Review+2
The initial installation has shown promise in enhancing wildfire response strategies, with the potential to reduce the economic and ecological damages caused by wildfires.U.S. Department of Homeland Security+2National Law Review+2GlobeNewswire+2
Comparative Analysis with Other AI-Based Wildfire Detection Systems
SensoRy AI is part of a broader movement leveraging AI for wildfire detection. Similar systems include:
- Pano Rapid Detect: Aggregates ultra-high-definition cameras, satellite data, and field sensors to detect fires faster, assisting fire agencies across multiple states. Home
- FireSat: A project aiming to launch a constellation of satellites equipped with AI algorithms to detect fires approximately 5 meters by 5 meters in size, significantly improving early detection capabilities from space. Home
These systems, like SensoRy AI, focus on early detection to enable prompt response, ultimately aiming to mitigate the devastating effects of wildfires.
In summary, SensoRy AI exemplifies how integrating AI with sensor technology can revolutionize wildfire detection and response. By providing real-time, accurate data, such systems empower firefighting agencies to act swiftly, potentially preventing small ignitions from escalating into large-scale disasters.
Ryan Honary’s development of SensoRy AI has sparked a broader movement in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for disaster management, inspiring various companies and individuals to explore innovative applications of AI in this field.
AI-Driven Wildfire Detection and Monitoring
Building upon the foundation laid by early innovators like Ryan, several organizations have developed advanced AI systems for wildfire detection:
- Pano AI: Utilizing deep learning and computer vision, Pano AI’s technology automatically detects, verifies, and classifies wildfire events in real time, providing immediate alerts to firefighting teams. Pano AI
- RoboticsCats: Their AI-powered system can identify wildfires as small as 0.03% of the source images, detecting early-stage fires within 15 minutes of ignition. This rapid detection capability is crucial for prompt response and mitigation. roboticscats.com
- OroraTech: Offering a comprehensive wildfire detection and monitoring platform, OroraTech integrates data from over 25 satellite and ground sources with advanced detection algorithms to deliver timely alerts and situational awareness. Orora Tech
- FireScout: This AI-powered system detects fire threats in as little as one minute, often before emergency response systems and public notifications, enhancing the speed and efficiency of wildfire response efforts. Fire Scout
- exci: Formerly known as PyroSmart, exci’s AI detects wildfires automatically within minutes after ignition using camera and satellite data analyzed by deep machine learning algorithms. The system has demonstrated its capabilities through large-scale deployments in California and Australia. exci – Smoke Alarm for the Bush
- Dryad Networks: The German company has introduced Silvanet, an AI-based drone system designed to accelerate the detection, localization, and monitoring of wildfires. Silvanet uses solar-powered gas sensors connected via a wireless network to detect fires at the smoldering stage. AP News+2ABC News+2AP News+2
AI in Broader Disaster Management
Beyond wildfire detection, AI is being applied to various aspects of disaster management:College of Engineering+5SpringerLink+5PreventionWeb+5
- Flood Forecasting: A team of teenagers developed FloodGate, a technology that creates 3D models of areas combined with AI and real-time weather forecasts to visualize the physical consequences of significant rainfall, aiming to improve local evacuation efforts. Business Insider
- Hurricane Prediction: Meteorologists are employing AI to forecast hurricane paths and intensities more quickly and accurately, enhancing preparedness and response strategies. Time
- Earthquake Path Prediction: Taiwan is utilizing AI to predict the paths of typhoons more accurately, improving early warning systems and disaster preparedness. Reuters
These advancements underscore a growing trend of integrating AI into disaster management, building upon the pioneering efforts of individuals like Ryan Honary to create more resilient and responsive systems in the face of natural disasters.
Redefining the Role of Youth in Technological Advancement
When we think of groundbreaking innovation, we often imagine seasoned scientists in lab coats, startups with venture capital, or R&D departments of global tech companies. But Ryan Honary is helping to rewrite that narrative. At just 17, his development of an AI-powered wildfire detection system isn’t just a triumph of technical ingenuity—it’s a cultural shift. It signals that the next wave of innovation may not come from where we expect, but from a high school lab, a garage workspace, or a curious mind still doing homework between experiments.
Ryan’s work is a living rebuttal to the idea that youth equals inexperience. In fact, it’s often youth that allows space for the kind of imaginative thinking that transforms industries. Without being tethered to conventional thinking or jaded by bureaucracy, young innovators like Ryan see problems differently—they ask why not? instead of why bother?
In an interview with NBC Los Angeles, Ryan reflected on what drove him:
“I didn’t know what I couldn’t do, and maybe that helped me. I just knew I wanted to try. I wanted to help.”
That kind of curiosity-driven motivation is what makes young inventors such powerful agents of change. Their fresh perspective is often exactly what’s needed in legacy industries like wildfire management, where solutions have traditionally been reactive and analog.
Philosophically, Ryan’s story challenges us to rethink how we define authority in innovation. Does expertise only come from age, or can it come from lived experience and an intuitive grasp of technology? What does it mean when a high school student can accomplish what government agencies have been struggling with for decades? It’s not just about what young people can do—it’s about whether we’re creating the conditions for them to do it.
Ryan is also paving the way for a generation that doesn’t see AI as a buzzword, but as a tool—one that they feel empowered to build with, question, and direct toward meaningful causes. He isn’t just redefining the role of youth in technology—he’s redefining the purpose of technology itself. His work sends a clear message to other young minds: your ideas matter, and your contributions can be world-changing.
Educators, policymakers, and tech leaders would do well to pay attention. Because the Ryan Honarys of the world aren’t just the future—they’re already reshaping the present.
Conclusion: A Spark of Innovation, A Forest of Possibilities
In a world increasingly shaped by climate uncertainty, technological breakthroughs are more than just impressive—they’re essential. Ryan Honary’s journey from concerned fifth grader to AI innovator serves as a vivid reminder that bold ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. His story is not just about stopping wildfires—it’s about igniting a broader cultural shift in how we view youth, technology, and the possibilities of combining the two for the common good.
By fusing artificial intelligence with environmental stewardship, Ryan created a system that doesn’t just fight fires—it listens to nature, learns from it, and speaks up when danger is near. In doing so, he has become part of a growing movement that sees AI not as a cold, distant tool of the future, but as a deeply human-centered ally.
Perhaps most inspiring is what Ryan’s work symbolizes: that true innovation doesn’t wait for permission. It asks questions, seeks mentors, builds prototypes in bedrooms, and sends signals into the world—not unlike the network of sensors he’s deployed in California’s wilderness. His system catches fires early. His example catches fire in minds.
As we look to the future, let Ryan’s story be a beacon for educators, technologists, and community leaders: foster curiosity early, support unorthodox thinkers, and never underestimate the power of a teenager with a question and a mission. After all, if a 17-year-old can teach machines to prevent disasters, what might the rest of us accomplish if we dared to do the same?
🔍 Reference List (APA Style)
- Earth.org. (2025). How this 17-year-old created a sensor to detect wildfires early. https://kids.earth.org/climate-change/how-this-17-year-old-created-a-sensor-to-detect-wildfires-early/
- GlobeNewswire. (2025). SensoRy AI and OCFA deploy AI-driven early wildfire detection system. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/11/3024097/
- NBC Los Angeles. (2025). Teen innovator develops AI-powered wildfire sensor. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california-wildfires/teen-innovator-develops-wildfire-sensor/3629478/
- UCLA Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. (2025). Using AI technology for early wildfire detection. https://www.mae.ucla.edu/using-ai-technology-for-early-wildfire-detection/
- RoboticsCats. (2025). Early wildfire detection technology. https://roboticscats.com
- Pano AI. (2025). Wildfire detection using real-time imagery and AI. https://pano.ai
- Business Insider. (2024). Teens win Earth Prize with flood forecasting AI. https://www.businessinsider.com/teens-win-50000-earth-prize-flood-forecasting-model-2024-8
- Time Magazine. (2024). How AI is changing hurricane forecasting. https://time.com/7081372/ai-hurricane-forecasting
📚 Additional Reading
- USC News. (2024). Using AI to predict a wildfire’s next move. https://today.usc.edu/using-ai-to-predict-wildfires/
- The Verge. (2024). Can satellites spot wildfires before they grow out of control? https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/16/fire-satellite-google-firesat-constellation
- Electropages. (2025). AI wildfire detection sensor could save lives & land. https://www.electropages.com/blog/2025/03/could-teens-ai-device-prevent-next-major-wildfire
🧰 Additional Resources
- SensoRy AI official overview: [Insert updated link when live]
- OCFA Wildfire Response Strategy: https://ocfa.org
- Pano AI Wildfire Intelligence: https://pano.ai
- OroraTech Wildfire Monitoring Platform: https://ororatech.com