The FireFlight Story
A Unique Intersection of Expertise
FireFlight emerged at a remarkable intersection of software development, wildland firefighting, and environmental science under the vision of its founder, Ariel Strong. With five years experience as a firefighter and EMT, and over two decades as a software engineer and then manager, Strong built the perfect foundation for understanding both complex technical systems and their practical applications.
The AI Turning Point
She had growing concerns about wildfire risk in the western US and decided to skill up to create something new. Her company's formation took a decisive turn during Strong's "scientist pilot" coursework through Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment.
During her training, she experienced first-hand how AI transformed the tedious task of counting nesting albatross in drone images to a process of remarkable efficiency and precision. She immediately grasped how it could be used in her plans to do wildfire risk assessment and mitigation work. This pivotal insight would shape FireFlight's mission and scope.
Comprehensive Wildfire Protection Services
Today, FireFlight uses advanced drone technology and AI to produce comprehensive wildfire risk assessments and highly customized mitigation action plans for residential and commercial property owners.
As concerns grow over how insurance companies are on the retreat from fire-prone areas and/or implementing dramatic rate increases, the company wants to help clients document their specific risk levels and mitigation efforts. The goal is to make FireFlight's reports valuable tools for home and business owners use in negotiating with their insurers.
Expanding AI Solutions
FireFlight's AI expertise grew and Strong saw another looming risk where her company could make a difference–the increasing pressure on people's livelihoods and the difficulties small businesses, employees, and freelancers face during times of rapid technological and economic change.
In response, she created the "AI for Everyone" course at Coconino Community College and established the "Northern Arizona AI Meetup, both stemming from her belief that AI literacy is essential for thriving in today's evolving economy. In turn, FireFlight's risk management mission was expanded to include AI consulting, training, and business automation solutions.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Strong aims to grow a dedicated data, development, and delivery team in Flagstaff that includes drone pilots, wildfire mitigation specialists, and the sales, marketing, and support staff to extend FireFlight's reach throughout the region. She wants FireFLight to be a trusted partner, helping clients reduce risk and protect what matters most–their homes, families, and livelihoods–during a time of rapid environmental, economic, and technological change and uncertainty.