Copyright International Business Times
At the beginning of 2025, a wildfire swept through Los Angeles and its neighborhoods. Reports indicated that nearly 16,000 buildings were destroyed, leaving behind nothing but charred, uninhabitable remains. At present, nearly three million homes across the United States remain in areas prone to wildfires, with fourteen western and southern states collectively facing over $1.3 trillion in potential reconstruction cost value. The figures make one thing clear: investing in prevention is far wiser than rebuilding from ashes. That's where B-hive, a drone manufacturing company founded by Bhavi Shah, steps in with an innovative and practical approach to fire prevention. Instead of fighting fires, Shah's innovative '838' drones are designed to protect buildings before disaster strikes. "We've combined drone technology with fireproof-paint sprayers to create an innovative solution for large-scale fire prevention," says Shah. "Our drone is designed to ensure the efficient, safe, and precise application of fire-retardant coatings on buildings and infrastructure in places that are often difficult or dangerous for human workers to reach." Although the Los Angeles fire in early 2025 served as the final spark for Shah's invention, the dream had been smoldering since childhood. She always aspired to be part of the aviation industry, even imagining herself as a fighter pilot one day. "I've always been deeply fascinated by aerospace, from satellites to spacecraft. There's something incredible about pushing the boundaries of technology to explore beyond our planet. That curiosity inspired me to pursue a career in this field and turn my passion into something meaningful," she says. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering, Shah's passion steered her toward companies involved in drone manufacturing. Initially, her focus was on developing a prototype for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. "I wanted to work on designs that facilitate transporting people," Shah says. "But I soon realized that it was a massive undertaking for investors." That moment of clarity, combined with the devastation of the LA wildfires, prompted her to shift focus towards something more meaningful. "When I heard about the fires and spoke to victims who had lost everything, their homes, their livelihoods, and loved ones, I decided to use my drones to stop such tragedies from happening again. All I needed was to make a few key changes in my design," she says. "To see someone lose everything they love to unintentional and intentional wildfires made me realize I needed to do something to help make a change. The world around us is not all that it seems. Humans have evolved, and we have lost the element of being vigilant and proactive from the beginning of civilization to now. We need morality and righteousness." Shah began redesigning her prototype. B-hive is now in the process of assembling components and refining the software to ensure that 838 can autonomously detect walls and obstacles from a distance, ensuring safe and efficient operation. "In a few months, I hope to have a ready-to-use drone," she says. "My goal is to provide homeowners with a practical tool for applying fireproof paint on their properties, minimizing damage during a fire." In addition to preventive measures, Shah also advocates for smarter construction practices in fire-prone regions. "Many countries use brick and stone to build more resilient homes. America should consider doing the same, especially those living in high-risk areas," she says. At present, B-hive is seeking value-aligned partners to help accelerate the design's final phase and scale up production of 838, which she hopes will soon become a vital shield against the growing threat of wildfires. "It's not just about the fires; it's protests, pandemics, and beyond. Other aspects of this world need the involvement of morality and righteousness. " For Shah, B-hive is more than a business venture; it's a mission. One that aims to protect lives and communities, preserve morality, and safeguard human civilization through proactive prevention rather than reactive response.
