Pano AI, a company dedicated to early wildfire detection and intervention, is working towards creating a comprehensive surveillance network to combat the devastating impact of wildfires. With wildfires wreaking havoc across Canada, the Midwest, Western Europe, and the imminent wildfire season in California, the need for advanced technologies and accurate prediction methods has become paramount. Pano AI aims to detect fires as soon as they ignite, enabling swift and targeted response efforts that could potentially save lives and minimize damage.
The company is currently constructing the largest blaze-detecting network in the Pacific Northwest, covering approximately 2.4 million hectares (6 million acres) of land. This network stretches across California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. By employing real-time fire hazard detection and assessment, Pano AI can promptly notify response teams, providing them with valuable time to contain and control the fires.
The system utilizes 360-degree-scanning cameras strategically placed in elevated positions, allowing for continuous surveillance of the surrounding areas for signs of smoke. These high-tech cameras have a remarkable range of 15 miles in all directions, capturing high-definition video data that is then analyzed using advanced deep learning algorithms capable of identifying fires. Once a fire is detected, the artificial intelligence model assesses its threat level, accurately pinpoints its location, and provides information on the expected speed and direction of its spread. Armed with this vital information, response teams can effectively prioritize and manage the situation.
Pano AI’s team comprises seasoned fire professionals and experienced technologists who are dedicated to creating the most effective tools for first responders. Their efforts extend beyond the Pacific Northwest, as the company recently announced plans to establish 14 new surveillance posts to monitor the Green Triangle, a rugged bushland region in southeast Australia. The Green Triangle region plays a significant role in Australia’s forest and forest products industry, contributing over $860 million annually to South Australia’s gross state product.
The devastating impact of wildfires cannot be understated, with an estimated $50 billion in damages caused each year. Additionally, the release of 6,450 megatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere in 2021 from uncontrolled wildfires poses a severe environmental threat. Since 2000, the United States has witnessed over 1.5 million wildfires, with more than 18,000 reported fires that have burned over 500,000 acres as of June 1, 2023.
Pano AI’s innovative approach to early fire detection and intervention aims to mitigate such disasters. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, their surveillance network provides crucial early warnings and accurate assessments, empowering response teams to take swift action. With wildfires becoming increasingly devastating, the importance of such proactive measures cannot be emphasized enough. Pano AI’s efforts signify a significant step forward in the battle against wildfires, offering hope for the protection of lives, properties, and our fragile environment.
