Press Release
Issued by Skyryse.
July 2, 2025
Skyryse has announced a new partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) focused on strengthening its firefighting technology, operations and training programmes. With SkyOS, the first universal operating system for flight, Skyryse will enable firefighting aircraft to more effectively and safely execute their missions to strengthen wildfire resilience, protecting California's most vulnerable communities.
Skyryse created SkyOS to enhance pilot success for every flight, especially during critical missions and in complex environments. As part of this new partnership, SkyOS will be developed for future deployment on firefighting aircraft, with features including:
- Fly-by-wire technology that enhances safety in all flying conditions by replacing conventional, complex mechanical flight controls
- Optionally-piloted capabilities to the frontlines, making it possible to stage assets where it's too dangerous for manned flights
- Increased payload capacity, which also allows firefighting aircraft to fly longer, maximising effectiveness
- A streamlined, intuitive interface that leverages today's most advanced automation technology, designed to reduce cognitive loading and pilot task saturation
- Safe envelope protection and enhanced performance in limited visibility, setting a new standard for aerial firefighting capabilities while keeping first responders safe.
Cal Fire operates the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet. Its aircraft are stationed across 14 air attack bases and 11 helitack bases throughout California, and are built for rapid response to wildfires, strategically located to reach incidents within 20 minutes.
Cal Fire provides fire protection services across more than 31 million acres of privately-owned wildlands in the USA's most populous state. In addition to these responsibilities, Cal Fire's thousands of firefighters provide all-hazard emergency services, responding to medical emergencies, auto accidents, hazmat incidents and more in 36 of the state's 58 counties.
The partnership comes just months after the devastating wildfires in Southern California in January 2025, which included 14 major wildfires across Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura and surrounding counties, ultimately causing at least 30 deaths, burning more than 57,600 acres and affecting more than 18,000 structures.
“In firefighting, every second counts,” said Mark Groden, founder and CEO of Skyryse. “Fires can double in size every 30 seconds, and when fires move faster, we have to move smarter. SkyOS technology provides greater capability, enhances mission profiles and empowers emergency personnel to fight fires more effectively and safely. We're honoured and privileged to work alongside Cal Fire, especially as a company founded and headquartered in California, to help leverage our technology in the fight against destructive wildfires. Equipping first responders with the latest and best in class technology isn't just an investment in tools; it's an investment in lives.”
"Cal Fire continues to leverage advanced technology to enhance aviation safety, increase operational effectiveness and drive greater efficiency across our aerial firefighting missions. By integrating tools like real-time telemetry, situational awareness systems and data-driven decision support, we are evolving to meet the complex challenges of modern wildfire response," said Jake Sjolund, deputy director of fire protection of Cal Fire.
