Discover How Counties are Implementing AI for Wildfire Detection and Response
- Angela Novelli
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As the Earth continues to be affected by climate change, we are seeing more and more disasters that negatively impact counties across the United States. Each year, around 70,000 wildfires have been recorded on average by the National Interagency Fire Center since 1983. These fires have proven to be detrimental to our communities, leading many county officials to seek out new and advanced ways of detecting them and responding to them quicker.
The use of AI in detecting wildfires is becoming more common, and has significantly shifted disaster response efforts in a positive direction. In this article, we will discuss how AI is being used in wildfire detection and how counties are harnessing its potential.
How Does AI Help With Wildfire Detection and Response?
The capabilities of Artificial Intelligence have transformed a variety of industries and operations across the globe, using advanced technologies to identify patterns, make predictions, and provide recommendations. Using large amounts of data and machine learning, firefighters can now gain more specific insights than they were able to previously. These include:
Mapping wildfires: AI can be used to track the intensity of a wildfire to determine its source, which is valuable data that can be used to update the model’s predictive analytics. Using data from previous fires, AI can also make predictions as to what the likely path of a wildfire could be.
Monitoring landscapes: High-definition AI-powered camera systems are being used to detect signs of smoke in order to help firefighters respond to potential wildfires much quicker. These cameras can provide real-time updates on landscapes and identify environmental patterns to help agencies make more informed decisions.
Pano AI insights: Pano AI is a monitoring system that observes forests and grasslands using satellite imagery, field sensors, and ultra-high-definition infrared video to help detect wildfires. In addition to tracking signs of smoke, it can spot temperature fluctuations from 10 miles away.
Use of AI in Douglas County
Colorado has been the source of some of the largest wildfires in the United States. Douglas County, Colorado is one particular location where wildfires are the number one natural threat, prompting the exploration of ways to mitigate their impact. This county has begun utilizing Pano AI to detect wildfires early and be able to respond to them quickly. Nearly 100 Pano AI cameras have been set up around the state of Colorado, and 12 of them are located in Douglas County.
With these AI-powered cameras scanning their surroundings every few seconds, wildfire detection has been more efficient than ever. The AI can even ensure accurate detection of smoke in comparison to dust or fog thanks to the specific data the system has learned from. On June 14, 2024, Pano AI detected smoke and alerted response personnel to what would become known as the Bear Creek Fire. The response team was able to act quickly and contain the fire at only three acres.
Use of AI in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County, California is a region that experiences wildfire season year-round, so they have started to explore the use of AI in detecting fires early. There was a unanimous decision from county supervisors to implement 50 AI-powered sensors to detect signs of wildfires. These ones in particular will take samples from the surrounding air to detect smoke using pattern recognition. They are sensitive enough to detect fires even when they are very small, alerting the response personnel immediately so that they can act.
The use of AI in detecting wildfires is highly important as climate change continues to impact the environment around us. In especially dry areas of the country, these AI-powered tools have the potential to catch fires early which could save communities and the biodiversity of the regions.
Sedna Consulting Group specializes in harnessing the power of AI to provide innovative solutions to the public sector. Contact one of our experts today to learn more.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
– Jane Goodall, Zoologist
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