Torch (company)

Torch is an American company based in San Francisco, California that develops technology for early detection of outdoor fires. Founded in 2020 by Michael Buckwald, Vasya Tremsin and Anton Tremsin, Torch uses infrared sensors, visible cameras and gas sensors to detect fires.

History
The sensor was developed in 2017, and won the Intel ISEF Best of Category Award in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the 2018 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. In 2020, Tremsin teamed up with Michael Buckwald.

In March 2023, a national online survey conducted by Propeller Insights on behalf of Torch Sensors concluded that the majority of respondents believe that wildfires can negatively impact the economy and that the problem will continue to increase as the world battles climate change.

In 2023, the company launched low-cost sensors for early-stage outdoor fire and wildfire detection.

Technology
A Torch sensor includes infrared cameras, gas sensors and a visible camera to measure thermal, visible and chemical signs of fire. Infrared cameras monitor heat in the surrounding area. Gas sensors measure the smoke content and air quality. Visible cameras are used to separate flames from the environment surrounding them. When a sensor device detects signs of fire it sends notifications through a mobile app. Sensors detect fire on 10 acres (40,468 square meters).