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How Ryan Honary developed AI-powered wildfire sensors to protect communities
Each week, One Earth is proud to feature a Climate Hero from around the globe, working to create a world where humanity and nature can thrive together.
Ryan Honary is proving that youth-led innovation can change the world. Inspired by a harrowing experience during the 2018 California wildfires, Ryan set out to develop a solution that could detect wildfires before they spread.
His groundbreaking invention, SensoRy AI, is an advanced wildfire detection system that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and a network of wireless sensors to identify fires in their earliest stages. SensoRy AI technology has now been deployed by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) in Irvine, California, marking a major step forward in wildfire detection.
Ryan Honary with his invention SensoRy AI, which uses a network of sensors and machine learning to identify wildfires in their earliest stages. Image Credit: The Earth Prize.
From fifth-grade project to game-changing technology
Ryan’s journey began when he reworked a heat detector from a fifth-grade school project, gradually enhancing it with infrared sensors and AI capabilities. His system can now detect fires as small as a square foot, providing emergency responders with real-time alerts. This low-cost, scalable technology has the potential to protect communities worldwide, offering a critical tool in the fight against increasingly destructive wildfires.
Protecting high-risk areas in California
The first phase of SensoRy AI’s deployment is focused on the Irvine Open Space Preserve, a 40,000-acre ecological corridor that connects Orange County’s open spaces to the Cleveland National Forest. This high-risk fire zone will benefit immensely from early warning technology, helping firefighters respond before flames spiral out of control.
As of March 2025, wildfires have already burned over 57,000 acres in California this year, causing nearly $255 billion in damages. As climate change fuels more intense and frequent fires, Ryan’s innovation represents a proactive solution to mitigate destruction, safeguard lives, and preserve critical ecosystems.
“Early detection is one of our greatest weapons in what has become a year-round fire season, empowering crews to more safely and effectively execute the robust and rapid initial attack required to keep wildfires small.” —OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy.
Ryan Honary presenting his SensoRy AI to the Orange County Fire Department. Image Credit: The Earth Prize.
A passion for climate action
Ryan’s commitment to environmental problem-solving extends beyond SensorRy AI. Through his nonprofit, Climate Solution Society, he provides an open-source platform that helps young innovators develop their own climate technologies. His efforts reflect a broader movement of youth-led action, where young people are turning eco-anxiety into tangible solutions.
“I believe that youth should be going beyond talking and should really focus on developing pragmatic solutions.” —Ryan Honary.
The Earth Prize: Fueling the next generation of climate innovators
Ryan’s work gained international recognition when he became a finalist for The Earth Prize, the world’s largest environmental competition for teenagers. Organized by The Earth Foundation, the competition empowers young people to develop climate solutions by providing mentorship, funding, and a global platform to scale their ideas.
Since its launch in 2021, The Earth Prize has reached over 15,000 students across 163 countries, awarding $500,000 in funding to top teams. It has become a launchpad for breakthrough innovations, supporting projects like flood prediction software, honeybee health monitoring, and water filtration technologies.
“Ryan’s work is a perfect example of what The Earth Prize is all about—young people turning their innovative ideas into real-world impact,” said Peter McGarry, founder of The Earth Foundation. “His wildfire detection technology is already making a difference, and I have no doubt it will help protect communities for years to come.”
Looking ahead
With his technology now in the hands of professional firefighters, Ryan is focused on expanding SensoRy AI’s capabilities and scaling its deployment. He hopes to bring the system to other fire-prone regions across the US and beyond, ensuring that communities everywhere have access to life-saving early detection systems.
Ryan Honary’s work showcases how young innovators and leaders are not just imagining solutions—they’re building them. His wildfire detection system is already making an impact, showing that practical, youth-driven ideas can play a crucial role in addressing our world’s most pressing climate challenges.
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