The AI system is the first of its kind in the world and is continually learning from Cal Fire's fire activity data. It has proven particularly useful in remote rural areas where fewer people are around to report smoke or flames. The system has also been used to map the state using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology, providing information about vegetation, fuel moisture levels, drought, tree mortality, and other factors that can affect fire behavior. The program, which has received funding from federal investments, grants, and other sponsors, could potentially be used to monitor for other hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches.
Key takeaways:
- The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is using a new artificial intelligence system to detect signs of wildfires. The system, developed in partnership with UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia, uses high-definition cameras to monitor for anomalies such as smoke.
- The AI system has already proven successful, identifying 77 fires before any 911 calls were logged. It will soon be rolled out to all 21 Cal Fire emergency command centers in the state.
- Cal Fire is the first and only firefighting agency in the world to have such a system in place. The AI learns from Cal Fire’s knowledge of fire activity, becoming smarter each time a fire is confirmed.
- The system also provides valuable data for law enforcement and could potentially be used to monitor for other hazards such as earthquakes and landslides. Cal Fire has invested about $20 million in the program over the past four years.