Aspen Fire Protection District Launches OroraTech Satellite Wildfire Detection Across District and Lincoln Creek Valley
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aspen Fire Protection District Launches OroraTech Satellite Wildfire Detection Across District and Lincoln Creek Valley
Innovative partnership expands early wildfire detection into one of the region's most vulnerable landscapes
ASPEN, Colo. — The Aspen Fire Protection District (AFPD), in partnership with the Aspen Wildfire Foundation (AWF), and OroraTech, is proud to announce that OroraTech satellite wildfire detection is now fully operational throughout the Aspen Fire Protection District and the extended Lincoln Creek Valley, providing firefighters with cutting-edge technology to identify potential wildfires and monitor fire activity in areas that have historically been difficult to observe.
The expansion was made possible through funding provided by the Aspen Wildfire Foundation, thanks to the generosity and vision of retired paramedic firefighter George Newell. Working alongside the Independence Pass Foundation, Newell recognized a critical gap in wildfire monitoring across the Lincoln Creek Valley and surrounding National Forest lands and helped make continuous satellite coverage a reality.
The OroraTech system uses a constellation of thermal imaging satellites to detect heat anomalies across vast landscapes, providing near real-time wildfire intelligence that can alert emergency responders to emerging fires—even in remote or difficult-to-access terrain. Working in tandem with the Aspen Fire Protection District's existing Pano AI camera network, which provides continuous visual monitoring across other areas of the District, OroraTech expands detection capabilities into landscapes where ground-based cameras have limited visibility. Together, these complementary technologies create a more comprehensive early warning system, giving firefighters valuable minutes that can make a significant difference in containing a wildfire before it grows.
Founded in Germany in 2018, OroraTech has quickly become the global leader in space-based thermal intelligence. Since launching its first satellite in 2022, the company has built the world's first and largest operational satellite constellation dedicated exclusively to wildfire management. Today, its network of more than 40 satellites—including 19 owned and operated by OroraTech—helps protect landscapes in 22 countries by delivering around-the-clock thermal monitoring, rapid wildfire alerts, and continuous situational awareness. Unlike traditional optical satellites, OroraTech's thermal sensors can detect fires both day and night, including in rugged terrain and other critical blind spots where conventional monitoring systems may be limited.
"This investment represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking collaboration our community needs," said Jake Andersen, Fire Chief of the Aspen Fire Protection District. "Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce wildfire risk. Expanded satellite monitoring across our entire fire district and into adjoining landscapes helps us detect fires quickly, even in areas beyond the reach of our AI camera network. This strengthens our ability to protect residents, visitors, critical infrastructure, and our surrounding public lands by enabling faster, more effective response. We are incredibly grateful to George for making this possible."
The Lincoln Creek Valley has long been recognized as one of the most challenging areas in the region for wildfire detection due to its rugged topography, dense forest canopy, and limited visibility from traditional monitoring methods. Extending satellite coverage into this landscape provides firefighters with an additional layer of intelligence, helping identify potential wildfire starts before they become large, destructive incidents.
“Lincoln Creek is hugely popular in the summer for camping, hiking, and biking. With only a one-way, very rough road out, early fire detection will be key to ensuring the safety of recreators.” said Karin Teague, Executive Director of Independence Pass Foundation.
"This project demonstrates what's possible when philanthropy, public agencies, emerging technology, and conservation partners work together toward a common goal," said Emily Taylor, Executive Director of the Aspen Wildfire Foundation. "George Newell saw an opportunity to strengthen wildfire resilience beyond district boundaries, and through OroraTech we've been able to expand protection into one of the most ecologically significant and vulnerable landscapes surrounding Aspen. It's an investment not only in technology, but in the long-term resilience of our entire community."
Newell said protecting the forests surrounding Aspen requires investing in innovative solutions before disasters occur.
"Wildfire doesn't recognize jurisdictional boundaries," Newell said. "The Lincoln Creek Valley is a very important landscape for our community, and I'm proud to support technology that helps firefighters detect fires earlier and respond more effectively. Preventing catastrophic wildfire takes collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to invest in the future."
The OroraTech system complements the Aspen Fire Protection District's growing portfolio of advanced wildfire detection and response technologies. Together with the District's Pano AI camera network, firefighters now have multiple layers of intelligence—combining satellite-based thermal detection with AI-powered visual monitoring—to provide broader situational awareness across the Aspen Fire Protection District and surrounding public lands. Combined with community wildfire mitigation efforts, public education, and regional partnerships, these investments continue to strengthen wildfire resilience throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
About Aspen Fire Protection District
The mission of Aspen Fire Protection District is to protect our community and environment by providing education, prevention, and response through professional excellence. AFPD provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, wildfire mitigation, and community risk reduction programs. The District is committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment through innovation, preparedness, and regional collaboration.
About Aspen Wildfire Foundation
The Aspen Wildfire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing wildfire resilience through community engagement, wildfire mitigation, education, and innovation. By connecting donors and community members to local wildfire solutions, the Foundation helps support critical preparedness and mitigation efforts while investing in emerging technologies and strategies that strengthen the region's ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfire.
About OroraTech
OroraTech is the global leader in space-based thermal intelligence. Since 2022, the company has operated the world's first and largest satellite network dedicated exclusively to wildfire management, delivering real-time situational awareness and rapid wildfire alerts. Its technology detects wildland fires day and night—including in remote areas and critical blind spots—helping incident commanders and emergency responders act faster with more complete information. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, with its U.S. headquarters in Denver, Colorado, OroraTech operates across Europe, North America, Australia, and Brazil with a team of more than 160 experts committed to building innovative solutions for a more sustainable and fire-resilient future.
OroraTech Media Contact
Halsey Payne
Communications Manager
Aspen Fire Media Contact
Emily Taylor
Executive Director
Aspen Wildfire Foundation
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LinkedIn: Aspen Wildfire Foundation