Skyryse and CAL FIRE partner to advance aerial wildfire response

Skyryse has announced a partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) aimed at modernizing the technology, operations, and training that support aerial firefighting missions across the US state. Central to the collaboration is Skyryse’s proprietary flight operating system, SkyOS, which will be developed for future deployment on firefighting aircraft.

SkyOS is the first universal operating system for flight, designed to increase pilot effectiveness in high-stakes missions and complex flying conditions. As part of the partnership, CAL FIRE aircraft will benefit from a host of SkyOS capabilities, including fly-by-wire controls, optionally piloted functionality, increased payload capacity, and a streamlined, intuitive interface. The system also offers safe envelope protection and enhanced performance in limited visibility, all of which contribute to a higher standard of aerial firefighting while improving crew safety.

“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 honored 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.”

The announcement follows a devastating series of wildfires in January 2025 that swept through southern California, killing at least 30 people, burning over 57,600 acres, and damaging or destroying more than 18,000 structures. The Skyryse-CAL FIRE partnership is a timely step toward bolstering California’s wildfire resilience.