Following two seasons of field validation and independent scientific and environmental reviews, the company is working to bring new wildfire prediction and prevention capabilities into practice.

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- Skyward Wildfire Technologies Inc. ("Skyward") is advancing a new approach to wildfire prevention designed to reduce the risk of lightning-caused wildfires before they start. Skyward has developed two capabilities to better manage lightning-caused wildfire risk: advanced predictive intelligence to forecast where and when risk is highest, and targeted lightning abatement to help prevent some of the most consequential ignitions.

In Canada, lightning ignites roughly half of all wildfires but can account for more than 90 per cent of the area burned. In the United States, lightning has historically caused only about 14 per cent of wildfires but nearly 60 per cent of the acreage burned, underscoring the disproportionate impact of lightning-caused fires.

"Wildland firefighters and governments are being asked to do more every year, often under increasingly difficult conditions," said Sam Goldman, CEO of Skyward. "We want to give wildfire agencies another option before fires ignite. We've spent years developing and testing this technology, and our focus now is working with our partners to put it to use where it can make the greatest difference."

Skyward's analysis of two field seasons estimates a 76 per cent reduction in cloud-to-ground lightning during the first hour following targeted intervention. The findings are supported by independent statistical and scientific reviews from leading researchers at the University of British Columbia and New Mexico Tech, strengthening the case for lightning abatement as a practical addition to existing wildfire management capabilities. 

Skyward's technology can deploy small quantities of mineral-based fibres to reduce cloud-to-ground lightning in a very small subset of high-risk storms. Independent environmental and health assessments found no measurable effects expected for air, soil, water, ecosystems, or the health of people, livestock, and wildlife under the wildfire prevention conditions evaluated. By helping prevent fires before they start, the technology could also reduce wildfire smoke exposure, habitat loss, infrastructure damage, and the need for emergency response and conventional fire retardants. 

The objective is not to eliminate lightning or natural fire from the landscape. It is to give wildfire risk managers another tool to protect people and places where ignitions could have particularly severe consequences, complementing the essential work already being done in wildfire preparedness, detection and response.

For the 2027 wildfire season, Skyward is working with partners to identify priority areas for initial deployment, advance regulatory and operational requirements and continue evaluating the technology in real-world conditions.

As Skyward moves into its next phase of growth and broader operational deployment, the company has appointed Kristina Marsden as Chief Commercial Officer. Marsden brings extensive experience in aerospace, emergency response, government procurement and technology commercialization, including leadership roles at Conair Aerial Firefighting and SkyScout AI Innovations. She will support Skyward's expansion, strategic partnerships and work with government and wildfire customers.

To learn more about the people behind Skyward and its approach to wildfire prevention, visit SkywardWildfire.com.

SOURCE Skyward Wildfire Technologies Inc.