Mescalero Apache students develop wildfire and flood warning sensors
Mescalero Apache students are building low-cost sensors designed to detect wildfires and flooding as climate-related disasters continue to affect their community
Students at Mescalero Apache School in New Mexico are developing wildfire and flood warning sensors aimed at helping protect their community from climate-related disasters, according to an article in New Mexico In Depth.
The student-led project began after severe flooding damaged the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s fish hatchery in July 2025, killing about 500,000 trout, according to the article. Students said they wanted to create faster and more affordable detection systems than existing satellite technology, which tribal officials said can issue false alarms and delayed alerts. The wildfire sensor is designed to detect chemical compounds associated with smoke and fire and send warnings to emergency services. Students also are developing a flood sensor that would alert communities when water levels rise to dangerous levels.
- 1.Bella Davis. New Mexico in Depth, .
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