California Firefighters Utilize AI to Spot and Extinguish Wildfires Fast
California firefighters have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect wildfires and prevent them from spreading, significantly minimizing damage. By utilizing the ALERTCalifornia AI program, they have installed over 1,000 strategically placed cameras across the state to feed live video into a machine that alerts first responders when action is required.
In a recent incident, the AI program successfully spotted a fire in the Cleveland National Forest, located about 50 miles east of San Diego, at 3 a.m. local time. With most people asleep and the darkness concealing the smoke, the situation could have escalated into a devastating wildfire. However, thanks to the AI system’s timely alert, a fire captain was able to mobilize about 60 firefighters, along with essential equipment, and extinguish the fire within just 45 minutes.
The ALERTCalifornia AI program was developed through a collaboration between engineers from the University of California San Diego and DigitalPath, a company based in Chico, California. The program relies on 1,038 cameras installed by various public agencies and power utilities throughout the state. These cameras can rotate 360 degrees, providing comprehensive coverage and allowing remote operators to assess the situation effectively.
Since its launch on July 10, Cal Fire (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) has recorded several instances where the AI system alerted fire captains about fires even before receiving any 911 calls. However, due to the limited time frame, a comprehensive report on these incidents is not available yet.
Neal Driscoll, a geology and geophysics professor at UCSD and the principal investigator of ALERTCalifornia, acknowledged that the sample size was still small to draw concrete conclusions. Nevertheless, Cal Fire aims to establish a model that can be replicated in other states and countries, especially in light of the unusually devastating wildfires witnessed in Hawaii, Canada, and the Mediterranean this season.
Suzann Leininger, a Cal Fire intelligence specialist, emphasizes the universal applicability of this technology. She believes it is relevant worldwide, given the increasing frequency and scale of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change. The goal is to utilize technology like AI to make a positive impact on firefighting efforts globally.
To improve the system’s accuracy, multiple specialists across the state review video footage from the camera network, helping the AI system learn to detect fires more effectively. Leininger and her team provide binary feedback, confirming whether the system made a correct identification. False positives can occur due to various factors such as clouds, dust, or even a vehicle with smoky exhaust. However, with the collaborative efforts of specialists, the AI system has already shown increased accuracy within a few weeks.
Beyond the camera network, the ALERTCalifornia platform collects immense amounts of additional data. This includes aerial surveys to assess vegetation that could potentially fuel future fires and mapping of the Earth’s surface below the canopy. Airplanes and drones equipped with infrared and other wavelength sensors are also utilized to gather data beyond human vision.
Furthermore, the platform measures atmospheric rivers and snowpack during winter. The UCSD team is also keen on collecting data on burn scars and their impact on erosion, sediment dispersion, water quality, and soil quality. This extensive dataset, openly available to private companies and academic researchers, may be instrumental in modeling fire behavior and discovering unforeseen AI applications for environmental studies.
Driscoll emphasizes the urgency of leveraging technology to address the current extreme climate challenges. By providing valuable data, stakeholders hope to collectively combat the issue.
California firefighters are leading the way in utilizing AI to detect and extinguish wildfires swiftly, setting an example for the rest of the world. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering collaborations between different entities, they aim to make a significant impact on fire management and protect communities from the devastating consequences of wildfires.
