Recent Press Releases
SJW and SCCFSC Expand AI Wildfire Detection Partnership with OroraTech's Satellite Wildfire Solution for Detection and Monitoring
Santa Clara FireSafe Council Provides OroraTech’s Wildfire Detection and Monitoring Solution Platform Covering over 24,000 Acres and Drinking Water Systems in the Los Gatos Creek Watershed.
May 1, 2025, Saratoga, CA — The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council (SCCFSC), an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, and San Jose Water (SJW) announced today an expansion of their early wildfire detection network partnership with the addition of OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform (WFS), for detection and monitoring. This provides satellite-based wildfire ignition monitoring with the ability to map and predict the spread of ignitions over time, helping inform evacuation decisions by agency partners.
“The Los Gatos Creek Watershed is one of the region’s most important environmental and community resources. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, it also provides surface water and ground water recharge for millions of Santa Clara County residents. Integration of OroraTech’s satellite technology with our existing network of early-detection cameras and sensors is a critical step in improving protections for this landscape and for the resilience of Santa Clara County water supplies.” stated Jared Lewis, Manager, Environmental Planning and Natural Resources, San Jose Water.
According to Seth Schalet, CEO of the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, “Over the last several years, we have helped San Jose Water execute their land stewardship strategy which includes increasing forest health and reducing wildfire risk. The earlier wildfire is detected, the sooner you can act, including alerting customers and the fire service agencies. We are grateful for our partnership with San Jose Water and OroraTech as their California reseller, brining this first of its kind satellite-based wildfire monitoring to the region.”
“We’re excited about our partnership with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council -- bringing our Wildfire Detection and Monitoring Solution to Silicon Valley. This helps San Jose Water protect their infrastructure, watershed and customers from wildfire,” stated Steve Maisonet, OroraTech’s Sales Director – US.
About San Jose Water:
Founded in 1866, San Jose Water is a regulated private utility and one of the largest and most technically sophisticated urban water systems in the United States. The Company serves over one million people in the greater San Jose metropolitan area. San Jose Water is owned by SJW Group, a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ under the symbol SJW. SJW Group also owns: Connecticut Water Company in Connecticut; Maine Water Company in Maine; and SJWTX, Inc. (dba The Texas Water Company) in Texas. To learn more about San Jose Water, visit www.sjwater.com
About Santa Clara County FireSafe Council:
As a 501 (c)3 nonprofit with a 20-year history, Santa Clara County FireSafe Council’s mission is to mobilize the people of Santa Clara County to protect their homes, communities, and environment from wildfires. As a trusted partner across the government, fire service, corporate and WUI residential communities, SCCFSC has led some of the most complex hazardous fuel reduction projects in the region. With a board of directors and advisory board that has a deep expertise across the wildfire ecosystem including wildfire and environmental research, academia, emergency management, regional planning, technology products and wildland firefighting executive leadership, Santa Clara County FireSafe Council is uniquely positioned to lead cross-sector collaborations, government-private partnership in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County and beyond. For more information, visit www.sccfiresafe.org
About OroraTech:
OroraTech is a global intelligence-as-a-service company leveraging thermal data for wildfire intelligence and management. Their Wildfire Solution platform is powered by high-resolution thermal data from its proprietary and public satellite system, which is trusted worldwide for revolutionizing wildfire detection. Since 2022, OroraTech has established a comprehensive global satellite network, delivering real-time situational awareness and prompt risk alerts. The cutting-edge system detects fires of any scale, day or night, ensuring timely action. Founded in 2018, OroraTech is headquartered in Munich, Germany, with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Greece, and the United States. A dedicated team of over 100 experts is committed to delivering innovative solutions for a sustainable future. For more information, visit https://ororatech.com/
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Santa Clara County FireSafe Council
14380 Saratoga Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 975-9591
Media Contact: Seth Schalet