NASA aircraft studies wildfire-generated clouds in British Columbia

NASA is utilizing its high-altitude ER-2 research aircraft to study pyrocumulonimbus clouds generated by massive wildfires in British Columbia. The aircraft, a repurposed U-2 spy plane, recently conducted flights over the southern interior of the province to collect data on the Pear Lake wildfire, which covers nearly 1,500 square kilometers. These unique storms, formed by extreme heat and smoke, can produce lightning, rain, and fire tornadoes, creating dangerous conditions for aviators and sparking new blazes.

In parallel, Canadian authorities are advancing long-term wildfire monitoring capabilities through the WildFireSat project. Despite the termination of a $71.8 million design contract earlier this year, the Canadian Space Agency and Natural Resources Canada remain committed to launching a constellation of 10 small satellites by 2029. The project aims to provide space-based observations to support front-line responders and local communities, including outreach to Indigenous emergency management organizations to ensure data aligns with local governance and cultural priorities.