AI Is the New Firefighter: How California Uses Technology to Prevent Wildfires
California has been leading the charge in fighting and preventing wildfires, and it is now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a powerful tool in this battle. The ALERTCalifornia program, a collaboration between the University of California San Diego and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), is spearheading an AI program with a budget of $24 million. As part of this program, over a thousand high-definition pan-tilt-zoom cameras will be installed across the state to continuously scan the area for signs of smoke or fire.
These cameras are equipped with an AI system developed by Cal Fire and ALERTCalifornia, capable of distinguishing between regular air particles and those caused by heat, fire, or smoke. When the system detects an abnormality, it immediately alerts the relevant authorities for further assessment. This use of AI has the potential to revolutionize firefighting strategies by analyzing vast amounts of data, predicting fire behavior, and providing real-time insights to firefighters on the ground.
In addition to the AI-powered cameras, drones have also been deployed in California’s firefighting operations. These unmanned aerial vehicles help track the progress of fires and aid in locating individuals who may be in danger. Governor Gavin Newsom has praised the use of innovative technology in firefighting, recognizing its potential to save lives.
Wildfires have been a longstanding issue in California, and they continue to escalate. In 2021 alone, wildfires destroyed 2.5 million acres across the state. With an increasing number of lives and properties at risk, it is crucial to adopt advanced technologies and strategies to prevent and mitigate these fires. Recent studies have found that nearly a quarter of the state’s inpatient healthcare facilities are situated in areas with a high or very high risk of wildfires, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect these critical establishments.
To test the effectiveness of the AI system, Cal Fire and ALERTCalifornia are collaborating with fire departments in various counties, including San Bernardino, Sonoma-Lake-Napa, Madera-Mariposa-Merced, Nevada-Yuba-Placer, Shasta-Trinity, and San Luis Obispo. The program’s cameras, equipped with advanced near-infrared night vision, offer an extensive field of vision, capable of seeing up to 120 miles on clear nights and 60 miles on clear days. As the program progresses, more cameras will be added to achieve full coverage of the state, spanning from the Oregon border to the Mexican border. This automated system ensures continuous monitoring for fires and prompt notifications to authorities upon detection.
The use of AI to combat wildfires is not limited to California. Other states, like Washington and Colorado, are also adopting similar technology to detect and monitor smoke and heat in their respective regions. As the technology continues to advance, more governments and organizations are expected to leverage AI for enhanced fire prevention and suppression efforts.
In conclusion, California is at the forefront of using AI as a powerful tool to fight and prevent wildfires. The ALERTCalifornia program’s AI system, combined with high-definition cameras and drones, enables earlier detection of wildfires, providing firefighters with more time to respond and contain the blazes. This technology has the potential to significantly improve firefighting effectiveness and mitigate the devastating impact of wildfires. As the benefits become more evident, it is likely that the use of AI in wildfire prevention and suppression will continue to increase across various regions and jurisdictions.
