Amarillo Area Foundation Grant Fuels Wildfire Detection Pilot in the Texas Panhandle
- Steve
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Thanks to a recent grant from the Amarillo Area Foundation, The RANGE is preparing to launch AgriShield, a cutting-edge wildfire detection and broadband pilot program that will transform how the Texas Panhandle detects, responds to, and prepares for wildfire threats. AgriShield will use tools—like weather sensors, remote monitors, and better internet access—to help farmers, ranchers, and emergency crews keep an eye on wildfire conditions and act quickly when danger arises.
“The past couple of years have been a sobering reminder of just how high the stakes are,” said Jacob Cates, Digital Initiatives Coordinator at The RANGE. “Fires don’t just destroy land—they threaten livelihoods, infrastructure, and entire communities. This pilot is about preventing devastation before it starts.”
The pilot program will focus on three core pillars:
Strategic Site Selection: Early detection sensors will be deployed in high-risk environments, including rangeland, irrigated farmland, and near energy infrastructure.
Command Infrastructure: A real-time monitoring dashboard and secure regional database will be built and hosted in Amarillo to support emergency coordination and public alerts.
Integrated Technology Architecture: Using GPS probes and video feeds, the system will ensure scalable, seamless environmental data collection and response.
“This isn’t just a technology play—it’s a regional resiliency strategy,” said Craig Cunningham, Information and Technology Lead at The RANGE. “AgriShield is about giving landowners and emergency responders the tools they need to act faster, smarter, and together–backed by a command center right here in Amarillo.”
The Amarillo Area Foundation grant will help fund key components of the initiative, including sensor installation, broadband expansion, and data infrastructure. It will also support training for landowners and partners participating in the pilot.
“We’re actively looking for partners—energy providers, landowners, oil and gas operators—anyone who wants to be part of shaping this deployment model,” said Cates. “The more partners we bring to the table, the stronger our region becomes.”
In addition to wildfire detection, AgriShield aims to prove the broader value of rural connectivity—demonstrating that broadband is not just a utility, but a catalyst for economic growth, agricultural innovation, and environmental sustainability.
