Connect with us

Technology

Technosylva Introduces First-of-Its-Kind Urban Conflagration Modeling for the Built Environment

Published

on

Significant enhancements deliver critical fire intelligence in the wildland-urban interface, helping utilities and emergency agencies protect lives and infrastructure

LA JOLLA, Calif., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Technosylva, the global leader in wildfire and extreme weather science and technology, today launched major enhancements to its urban conflagration model that predicts how fires spread through populated areas and quantifies risk to buildings. The model addresses a key limitation of traditional wildfire science: much of it has focused on wildland areas, classifying urban areas as “non-burnable.” This limitation slows fire simulations at the community boundary, leaving fire agencies, utilities, and insurers with limited forward visibility into how fire will behave in populated communities.

 

Technosylva’s capabilities provide two notable wildfire modeling enhancements. First, the urban conflagration model simulates how fires will behave in the wildland urban interface (WUI), where characteristics such as structure density, vegetation encroachment, and fuel types result in fundamental differences compared to wildland fires. Second, the Dynamic Building Loss Factor provides unprecedented insight into the vulnerability of structures. This information enables utilities and agencies to undertake appropriate mitigations, such as asset hardening, undergrounding lines, vegetation management, and community education and engagement.

“Recent devastating fires have made one thing clear: populated areas face disproportionate impacts—and require greater focus to protect them,” said Bryan Spear, CEO of Technosylva. “Traditional wildfire models were designed for wildland fuels and fire behavior. Our approach builds on that foundation by showing how fires actually move through communities. By more accurately modeling the risks and consequences, utilities and fire agencies can make smarter, risk-based decisions to mitigate wildfire risks, communicate threats, maintain power, and better protect the communities they serve.”

According to a 2023 article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences [1], “community fire destruction has become a national crisis.” Recent disasters in Lahaina, Gatlinburg, and Marshall show why. Many communities aren’t built to withstand ignition, and once a structure catches fire, it can quickly spread flames and embers to neighboring buildings. The result is fast-moving, large-scale destruction with lasting impacts on entire communities.

Key Technology Advances Addressing Critical Industry Needs

Technosylva’s unique model was trained on a comprehensive database of WUI fires, examining environmental conditions, weather patterns, and fuel characteristics to understand the drivers of urban conflagration. One of the primary challenges in modeling fire behavior in the built environment is a limited number of historical fires upon which to draw conclusions and build scalable models. Technosylva’s modeling approach has overcome these challenges, effectively capturing the complex interactions between wildfire and the built environment.

Notable enhancements to Technosylva’s modeling approach include:

WUI Fuel Mapping: Development of 12 unique WUI fuel types that more accurately reflect the manner in which the infrastructure in the built environment becomes a fuel source for the fire. This is critical for understanding how the characteristics of the built environment impact the rate of spread, intensity, and speed of fires in the WUI.Dynamic Building Loss Factor: Machine learning models to capture expected building loss, leveraging characteristics such as structure characteristics and building age that drive vulnerability. Combined with assessments of topography, vegetation, and other building properties such as density and proximity to roads, this intelligence identifies not just whether a community is threatened, but the types of structures and conditions that result in the highest risk.Characterization of Fire Behavior Under Extreme Conditions: Calibrated to accurately reflect urban encroachment and fire spread rates in WUI environments—particularly during the most extreme events. Capturing fires that have historically been labeled as “outliers” is critical for utilities and communities to understand and prepare for potential worst-case scenarios.High-Resolution Weather Integration: Captures localized wind patterns, humidity gradients, and temperature variations at a scale matched to “neighborhood-level” fire behavior.

Large-scale urban fires were once rare, but in recent years their frequency and severity has increased dramatically. When wildfires reach communities, the “fuel” is no longer just vegetation—it’s homes and businesses. In Lahaina alone, a single urban conflagration caused an estimated $4 to $6 billion in economic losses. The consequences can be devastating for both life and property. Technosylva’s modeling has evolved to capture how fires spread through the built environment, enabling utilities and agencies to make more informed, risk-based decisions.

[1] https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_journals/2023/rmrs_2023_calkin_d001.pdf

About Technosylva
Technosylva is the leading provider of wildfire and extreme weather modeling, risk mitigation, and operational response software. Technosylva’s market-leading solutions, enhanced by AI and machine learning capabilities, provide real-time and predictive insights into developing wildfire and extreme weather risks to support electric utility, insurance, and government agency customers. Founded in 1997, Technosylva has offices in La Jolla, CA, León, Spain, and Calgary, Canada. Learn more at www.Technosylva.com.

Contacts
For Technosylva:
Lucian Deaton
Senior Digital Marketing Manager
412620@email4pr.com

Colin Mahoney
Mahoney Communications Group
412620@email4pr.com
212.220.6045

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/technosylva-introduces-first-of-its-kind-urban-conflagration-modeling-for-the-built-environment-302749820.html

SOURCE Technosylva

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

MATSON ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF 3 MILLION SHARES TO EXISTING SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF $0.36 PER SHARE

Published

on

By

HONOLULU, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX), a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, approved adding three million shares to its existing share repurchase program and extending the program to December 31, 2029.  As of April 23, 2026, the existing share repurchase program had approximately 0.7 million shares remaining.  The Board also declared a second quarter dividend of $0.36 per common share.  The dividend will be paid on June 4, 2026 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 7, 2026.

“We are pleased to announce an additional three million shares to our existing share repurchase program,” said Matt Cox, Matson’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “Since we commenced our share repurchase program in August 2021, we have repurchased approximately 14.3 million shares, or approximately 33% of the then outstanding shares, for a total cost of $1.3 billion.  Going forward, we will continue to be both disciplined and opportunistic in our capital allocation, and we remain committed to returning excess cash to shareholders to create additional shareholder value over the long-term.” 

Shares will be repurchased in the open market from time to time at the Company’s discretion, based on ongoing assessments of the capital needs of the business, the market price of its common shares and general market conditions.  The Company may enter into Rule 10b5-1 plans to facilitate purchases under the program.  The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

About the Company

Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services.  Matson provides a vital lifeline of ocean freight transportation services to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia.  Matson also operates premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, which includes cargo from other Asia origins, provides services to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from Alaska to Asia.  The Company’s fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and barges.  Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson’s transportation network throughout North America and Asia.  Its integrated logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, supply chain management, and freight forwarding to Alaska.  Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement, including but not limited to, statements about capital allocation plans, the timing, manner and volume of repurchases of common shares pursuant to the repurchase program, and use of excess cash.  These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  This release should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC through the date of this release, which identify important factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this release.  We do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/matson-announces-addition-of-3-million-shares-to-existing-share-repurchase-program-and-quarterly-dividend-of-0-36-per-share-302752377.html

SOURCE Matson, Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

Accord Specialty Pharmacy Named Finalist in MMIT’s 11th Annual Retail Specialty Pharmacy Patient Choice Awards

Published

on

By

ORLANDO, Fla., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Accord Specialty Pharmacy, an independent specialty pharmacy serving patients across multiple states, has been named a finalist in the MMIT Patient Choice Awards, a recognition based on patient-reported satisfaction and experience.

Accord was selected as the only independent pharmacy among finalists in its category, alongside national pharmacy organizations such as Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy and Walmart Specialty Pharmacy. This distinction highlights the company’s commitment to delivering personalized, high-touch care for patients managing complex and chronic conditions.

The MMIT Patient Choice Awards recognize specialty pharmacies that demonstrate excellence in patient satisfaction, service quality, and overall care experience. Finalists are determined based on direct patient feedback, making the recognition a meaningful reflection of the trust patients place in their pharmacy providers.

“Being recognized alongside national organizations and as the only independent finalist validates our belief that personalized, patient-centered care drives better outcomes. We are building a model that combines clinical depth, national reach, and operational flexibility to better serve patients, providers, and partners.” said AJ Patel, Founder and Pharmacy Manager of Accord Specialty Pharmacy.

Accord Specialty Pharmacy supports patients across complex specialty categories, including oncology, rare disease, and infusion, through a clinically driven, high-touch care model designed to improve access, adherence, and outcomes. The company’s approach emphasizes personalized support, responsive care coordination, and strong clinical engagement to help patients navigate complex therapies more effectively. With a growing national footprint and multi-state licensure, Accord is positioned to support patients, providers, and partners across diverse markets.

For more information, visit MMIT Announces Finalists of the 11th Specialty Pharmacy Patient Choice Awards – MMITNetwork.

About Accord Specialty Pharmacy:

Accord Specialty Pharmacy is an ACHC-accredited, multi-state licensed independent specialty pharmacy located in Central Florida, dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals managing complex and chronic conditions. Through personalized support, clinical expertise, and a high-touch approach, Accord helps patients navigate every step of their treatment journey. Learn more at www.accordspecialty.com.

CONTACT: contact@accordspecialty.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accord-specialty-pharmacy-named-finalist-in-mmits-11th-annual-retail-specialty-pharmacy-patient-choice-awards-302752327.html

SOURCE Accord Specialty

Continue Reading

Technology

HAIVISION ANNOUNCES VOTING RESULTS FROM 2026 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Published

on

By

MONTRÉAL, April 23, 2026 /CNW/ – Haivision Systems Inc. (“Haivision” or the “Company”) (TSX: HAI) is pleased to announce the voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders held today in a virtual format.

A total of approximately 45.97 % of the issued and outstanding common shares of Haivision were represented at the meeting.

Election of Directors

Each of the six nominated directors of Haivision was elected as director of the Company with the following results:

Director

Votes
For

% Votes
For

Votes
Against

% Votes
Against

Miroslav Wicha

11,110,245

99.26 %

82,583

0.74 %

Harvey Bienenstock

11,155,137

99.66 %

37,691

0.34 %

Robin M. Rush

11,121,855

99.37 %

70,973

0.63 %

Neil Hindle

10,794,005

96.44 %

398,823

3.56 %

Julie Tremblay

10,941,969

97.76 %

250,859

2.24 %

Lee K. Levy II

9,084,418

81.16 %

2,108,410

18.84 %

2.   Appointment of Auditors

Deloitte LLP were reappointed auditors of the Company for the ensuing year with 12,492,582 (98.84%) votes cast in favour and 146,406 (1.16%) votes withheld.

3.   Approval of the Unallocated Awards under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan

The Company’s unallocated awards were approved with 8,710,347 (77.82%) votes cast in favour and 2,482,481 (22.18%) votes cast against.

4.   Reapproval of Company’s Shareholder Rights Plan

The Company’s shareholder rights plan was approved with 10,572,490 (94.46%) votes cast in favour and 620,338 (5.54%) votes cast against.

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the meeting will be filed under Haivision’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Haivision

Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video streaming and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Learn more at haivision.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/haivision-announces-voting-results-from-2026-annual-meeting-of-shareholders-302752318.html

SOURCE Haivision Systems Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending