AI-Powered Cameras Prevent Widespread Wildfire with Rapid Response
California firefighters are now utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to detect wildfires and promptly alert first responders. This innovative system involves more than 1,000 strategically placed cameras across the state, which feed video footage into an AI-driven machine that notifies emergency personnel when it is time to mobilize.
In a recent example of the program’s potential, a camera spotted a fire that erupted at 3 am in the remote Cleveland National Forest, approximately 80 km east of San Diego. Given the hour and the obscuring darkness, the fire could have quickly escalated into a larger blaze. However, thanks to the AI alert, a fire captain was promptly notified and subsequently dispatched around 60 firefighters, along with necessary equipment, including bulldozers, water tankers, and hand crews. Within a remarkably short period of 45 minutes, the fire was extinguished, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
The ALERTCalifornia AI program was developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), in collaboration with DigitalPath, an AI company based in Chico, California. The platform relies on the immense coverage provided by 1,038 cameras installed by various public agencies and power utilities throughout the state. These cameras are capable of rotating 360 degrees, operated remotely by technicians.
Since its launch on July 10, the AI program has already offered additional instances of alerting fire captains to fires before 911 calls were even received. However, Cal Fire cannot yet provide a comprehensive report on these incidents due to the limited sample size thus far.
Neal Driscoll, a geology and geophysics professor at UCSD and the principal investigator of ALERTCalifornia, acknowledged that more data is needed before drawing definitive conclusions. Ultimately, Cal Fire aspires for this technology to serve as a model for other states and countries worldwide.
By harnessing the power of AI and leveraging the extensive camera network, firefighters in California are significantly enhancing their ability to respond swiftly to wildfires. This cutting-edge system not only safeguards lives and property but also paves the way for similar advancements in fire prevention and management globally.
