If your home is equipped with Nest Protect smoke detectors, you’re likely already quite happy with their functionality. But what if something went wrong? Say, for instance, you were away on vacation and your smoke detectors started going off—notifying you of a potential fire. You would be relieved to know that the Nest Protect had safely detected the fire and alerted you accordingly.
Torch was founded in 2020 with the goal of solving one of the biggest issues we face as humans: wildfire prevention. The $299 device is mounted onto a spike screwed into a tree, providing early outdoor detection for up to 10 acres. By detecting fires early, we can prevent them from spreading and turning into devastating blazes.
Climate change is having a big impact on wildfire season in the western United States. Droughts and higher temperatures provide a perfect environment for devastating fires, especially in the California region. In addition to climate change, other factors such as lightning and human behavior are contributing to these fires.
One study by scientists funded through NASA’s Earth Science Data Systems program, known as NASA EarthData, found near exponential growth in fire frequency and size in the western U.S. from 1950 to 2019. The average wildland fires of the 1950s were 1,200 acres (485 hectares), but by the 2010s the average had doubled to over 3,400 acres (1,376 hectares).
The study found that the increase in fire frequency and size is due to a combination of factors, including increasing population density, development of wildlands, drier conditions, and changing weather patterns. The authors note that these fires can have serious negative consequences for public health and the environment, costing millions of dollars in damages each year. They recommend targeted fire management strategies to reduce the risks posed by large wildfires.
Apparently, Vasily was passionate about the potential of using technology to improve the lives of others, and he began tinkering with code at an early age. In college, he teamed up with his roommate and co-founder Mikhail Tabashev to create a website that allowed people to donate money to charity. They named their company Torch because it was the perfect symbol for their mission: To help make the world a little bit better.
Torch’s first product was an app called DonateView
In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Napa Valley last year, one student decided to create a device to help detect fire conditions more easily. Tyler DePaul, a senior at Monterey Peninsula College, designed and created a prototype detector that can be deployed by first responders to help identify fires quickly and accurately. Dubbed the “Napa FireScanner”, the device uses thermal imaging technology to capture images of fire conditions and send them back to authorities for further inspection. Considering that over 50% of all wildfires are started by human activities, this innovative contraption could potentially save countless lives and billions of dollars in damages.
During his time living in San Francisco, Michael Buckwald was exposed to the city’s thriving startup scene. He was inspired by the innovative work being done and quickly recognized the potential for a peripheral company like Leap Motion to have on the market. Having Tremsin as his co-founder and CEO allows them to continue focusing on Research and Development while also taking care of day-to-day operations.
Vasya started DreamBeacon because he saw an opportunity to solve a major problem with pollution. DreamBeacon’s sensors can help to detect fires early, limiting their damage and potential casualties.
Smoke will always be an indicator that something is wrong. For example, if there is a fire in the building, smoke will rise and trigger the on-board sensors. Similarly, when there is a lot of heat or light, these sensors will send out alerts to indicate that something is off. With this data at hand, the owner can take appropriate action to fix whatever issue may have arisen.
One of the coolest things about having a mesh network is that you can connect dozens or even hundreds of devices to a single Wi-Fi gateway, forming a giant interconnected network. This makes it easy to share files and access the internet from anywhere in your home or office.
Torch is a leading provider of technology to help manage prescribed fires, and the company has been validating its technology through controlled burns by third parties for some time. The patented approach has been tested on prescribed fire burns across California, and Verifying results through multiple variables minimizes false positives and ensures accuracy.
Torch is one of the newest and brightest devices on the market. With a battery life that rivals that of mobile phones, and a sleek design, Torch is perfect for busy professionals. Preordering now gives you access to early beta testing and special offers, so don’t wait – order yours today!
