CONNOR HENRICKSEN: An engineer in Mosier, Oregon, is developing a new way to keep property safe during wildfires. He’s tested his wildfire sensors out on his land and at prescribed burns. NWPB’s senior environmental correspondent has the story.

FLATT: Thad McCracken had to leave his home during 2024’s Microwave Tower Fire. He quickly grabbed his 25 sled dogs, and drove away. At the time, he thought – ‘I can figure out a way to protect my house.’

So he got to work engineering sensors that can detect wildfires. If flames are near, they turn on a generator and pumps. Then, sprinklers go off. Right Now, McCracken has 20 sensors set up around his house to test them out. 

THAD McCRACKEN:  ”For me, I am wanting to not constantly feel on edge all fire season if I'm not home, and a fire comes that, you know, my house is unprotected.”

FLATT: He hopes it can help others. He’s running more tests and figuring out how to scale up.

The algorithm he created should tell the difference between a hot day, smoke and a wildfire that’s close. 

I’m Courtney Flatt, in Mosier, Oregon.