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Lockheed Martin, PG&E Corporation, Salesforce and Wells Fargo have formed a new venture, called Emberpoint, which will help fire departments and other emergency services prevent and respond to wildfires (Los Angeles Times).

• “The ultimate vision is … eliminating megafires in the United States, and maybe beyond that,” said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet in an interview.
• The companies have pledged more than $100 million to the venture. 

The details: Lockheed Martin manufactures aircraft and satellites that help fight wildfires, while also working on technology that helps predict where a fire will start in the first place. Emberpoint’s first effort will be to improve “firefighting intelligence.”

• Salesforce will lend its expertise in coordination to help organizations work together more smoothly while fighting fires. It will also help bring together data sources for easier use.
• “PG&E has wildfire mitigation efforts, such as installing power lines underground in high-risk areas, and has weather stations equipped with AI-powered cameras to help detect wildfires.” It will seek regulatory approval to share information with its private-sector partners.

Why it matters: Wildfires have become increasingly destructive across the globe in recent years, with California suffering from particularly devastating blazes.

• “Last year, the Eaton and Palisades fires killed more than two dozen people and destroyed more than 16,000 structures, with the estimated loss totaling more than $250 billion.”