Explanation of the laser beams over California and Oregon?

EROS Fire Scientists Look at Potential Use of Lidar for Operational Burn Mapping

https://www.usgs.gov/center-news/eros-fire-scientists-look-potential-use-lidar-operational-burn-mapping

Scientists Are Using Laser Technology to “Fireproof” California

https://alumni.berkeley.edu/california-magazine/just-in/2019-08-07/scientists-are-using-laser-technology-fireproof-california