Overland AI Teams Up With CAL FIRE for Wildfire Response

Seattle-based Overland AI, a startup specializing in autonomous driving technology for off-road environments, is expanding beyond its military roots with a new partnership aimed at improving wildfire response.

The company announced this week that it is working with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to test its self-driving ground vehicles in real-world firefighting operations. The collaboration marks the first time CAL FIRE has evaluated autonomous ground vehicle technology as part of its wildfire response efforts.

Self-Driving Vehicles Support Firefighters

As part of the pilot program, CAL FIRE deployed two of Overland AI’s autonomous four-wheel vehicles during wildfire logistics exercises at Camp Pendleton in Southern California.

Rather than fighting fires directly, the self-driving vehicles were used for critical support tasks, including transporting food, water, batteries, and other essential supplies to personnel operating in challenging terrain. By automating resupply missions, firefighters can focus more on emergency operations while reducing the need for crews to travel through hazardous areas.

The tests demonstrate how autonomous vehicles could become valuable tools in wildfire management, especially in remote locations where rough terrain makes transportation difficult.

From Defense to Civilian Applications

According to Stephanie Bonk, Overland AI’s co-founder and president, the company always envisioned its autonomous driving technology serving both military and civilian purposes.

She said the startup designed its platform as a dual-use technology from the beginning, and the collaboration with CAL FIRE represents the first real-world demonstration of its civilian potential.

Bonk added that the company’s autonomous driving system performs particularly well in rugged environments, making it well suited for wildfire zones where traditional vehicles often face difficult operating conditions.

AI and Robotics Continue to Transform Firefighting

Fire agencies are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to improve wildfire detection and response.

In addition to autonomous ground vehicles, departments are also testing AI-powered camera systems capable of identifying smoke plumes early, helping crews respond faster before fires spread.

Overland AI’s technology adds another layer of innovation by addressing one of the biggest operational challenges during wildfire incidents—moving supplies safely and efficiently across difficult landscapes.

Rapid Growth Since Launch

Overland AI was spun out of the University of Washington in 2022 and has quickly established itself in the autonomous mobility sector.

The startup has secured several major defense partnerships, including an $18.6 million contract with the U.S. Army and the Defense Innovation Unit. It also collaborates with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on autonomous vehicle technologies.

Last year, the company raised $32 million in funding and opened a 22,000-square-foot production facility in Seattle to support future growth.

Strong Leadership and Investor Backing

Overland AI is led by co-founder Stephanie Bonk and CEO Byron Boots, a robotics researcher who heads the Robot Learning Laboratory at the University of Washington and serves as the Amazon Professor of Machine Learning at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering.

The company currently employs 101 people, up from 58 employees a year earlier, according to LinkedIn data, reflecting its rapid expansion.

Overland AI is also ranked No. 14 on the GeekWire 200, a list of the Pacific Northwest’s top privately held startups. Its investors include 8VC, Point72 Ventures, Overmatch Ventures, Shasta Ventures, Ascend, Osage University Partners, and Caprock.

With its latest partnership with CAL FIRE, Overland AI is demonstrating that autonomous vehicle technology can extend far beyond defense applications. As wildfire seasons become longer and more severe, self-driving off-road vehicles could play an increasingly important role in helping emergency responders operate more safely and efficiently.

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