## Can Edison’s Legacy Help Us Fight the Inferno?
The smell of smoke, the roar of flames, the feeling of helplessness as a raging wildfire tears through the landscape – this is a nightmare becoming increasingly common in our changing world. But what if we told you that the ingenuity of a man who lit up the world could also be the key to extinguishing its most destructive threats?
Gamestanza takes you inside the world-changing work of “Energized by Edison,” a revolutionary project harnessing cutting-edge technology inspired by Thomas Edison’s legacy to fight wildfires with unprecedented power and precision. From smart sensors to AI-powered prediction models and drone battalions, we’ll explore how this ambitious initiative is pushing the boundaries of wildfire safety, offering a hopeful glimpse into a future where we can coexist with nature without succumbing to its fury.
Quantifying the Impact: Miles of Covered Conductor and Fuses Installed
As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the need for greater wildfire mitigation is more important than ever. The heartbreaking wildfires and windstorms in January only emphasize that fact. “The January wildfires underscore the importance of mitigation plans and the need for continuous and evolving tools to maintain infrastructure resiliency,” said Steven Powell, president and CEO of Southern California Edison. “While you can’t eliminate wildfire risk, we continue to invest in new and innovative solutions to bring us as close to zero as possible.”
To protect communities, SCE is integrating advanced technologies that increase its wildfire prevention abilities and outlined these tools in its updated Wildfire Mitigation Plan. In the updated plan, current programs are being expanded and several new pilot programs will launch to help enhance wildfire safety. We’re strengthening our grid and adding technologies to reduce the chance of our electrical system becoming an ignition source. Some of these improvements are also part of our work to reduce the number of customers affected by PSPS outages.
Covered Conductor and Fast-Acting Fuses
Replacing bare overhead power lines with covered conductor (also known as coated wire) significantly reduces the chance that a power line could arc or spark if it comes in contact with an object like a tree branch or metallic balloon. In addition, fast-acting fuses interrupt current faster and reduce the risk of ignitions when there is an electrical fault, such as when a tree falls on a power line during high winds.
As of end of March 2025:
- Covered conductor: 6,450+ miles installed
- Fast-acting fuses: 14,200+ fuses installed or replaced
Undergrounding Power Lines
As part of ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts, SCE is undergrounding overhead distribution lines in severe risk areas to continue to reduce the threat of wildfires, particularly in communities where the power lines have not been replaced with covered conductor.
Learn More About Undergrounding Power Lines
Beyond the Grid: Empowering Communities Through Preparedness
Proactive Planning: SCE’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan and its Resources
SCE provides program and resource information to help more than 5 million customers prepare for emergencies, including PSPS outages.
PSPS Outages: Minimizing Disruption and Providing Support
SCE is committed to minimizing the impact of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events on its customers. The company works closely with local officials and emergency responders to coordinate PSPS events and provide support to affected communities.
Community Engagement: Fostering Collaboration and Shared Responsibility
SCE recognizes that wildfire safety is a shared responsibility. The company actively engages with communities to raise awareness about wildfire risks, promote preparedness measures, and encourage collaboration on mitigation efforts.
The Future of Wildfire Safety: Innovation and Adaptation
Exploring New Technologies: Artificial Intelligence, Drones, and Sensors
As technology continues to advance, SCE is exploring innovative solutions to enhance wildfire safety.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyze vast amounts of data to identify high-risk areas and predict wildfire potential.
- Drones can be deployed to monitor power lines for hazards and inspect vegetation near infrastructure.
- Sensors can be installed along power lines to detect arcing or other electrical issues that could lead to ignitions.
The Role of Data Analytics: Predicting Wildfire Risk and Optimizing Response
Data analytics plays a crucial role in wildfire mitigation by providing insights into wildfire patterns, risk factors, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
A Call to Action: Individual and Collective Responsibility in a Changing World
Wildfire safety is a shared responsibility. Individuals can take steps to protect their homes and communities by creating defensible space around their property, practicing fire safety, and staying informed about wildfire risks.
Communities can work together to develop comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans, support local fire departments, and promote public awareness about wildfire preparedness.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks. From drone patrols to AI-powered prediction, the tech world is stepping up to the plate, ready to fight fire with fire. We’ve explored how Edison’s legacy of innovation is fueling this revolution, empowering us with tools to not only track and contain wildfires but to understand their complex behaviors and predict future outbreaks.
This isn’t just about saving trees and homes – it’s about safeguarding entire communities and ecosystems. The implications are profound. Imagine a future where wildfires are no longer the uncontrollable monsters they are today, where we can proactively manage forests and protect vulnerable populations. As technology advances, we stand at the precipice of a new era in wildfire safety. It’s a future where data, intelligence, and human ingenuity converge to create a more resilient world, one where the flames of destruction are tempered by the brilliance of innovation.
Let’s not just play defense against the wildfire threat – let’s use the power of technology to rewrite the script and build a future where nature and progress coexist in harmony.
