Researchers Design Satellite to Detect Wildfires - A Step Toward the Holy Grail of Firefighter Safety?

This new satellite technology will change the game for firefighting: 

From the Source: 

"This proposed satellite, called FUEGO – Fire Urgency Estimator in Geosynchronous Orbit, would survey the entire western United States every two minutes or less and could detect a fire that is about 10 feet in diameter. Assuming that the data from the satellite could be transmitted to the appropriate dispatch center within a minute or two, this could be a major step toward keeping fires small… IF the fire agencies have the appropriate initial attack policies in place and an adequate number of firefighting resources, both ground and air-based, to respond and arrive at the fire within the first 10 to 30 minutes."

Above: "Artist’s concept for FUEGO on orbit (FUEGO Concept Art by R. E. Lafever, LBNL)"

Above: "Artist’s concept for FUEGO on orbit (FUEGO Concept Art by R. E. Lafever, LBNL)"