The author emphasizes that while these technological advances have grown exponentially, they are not a turn-key solution. Successful department-wide technology training and adoption are necessary for these technologies to be effective. The author concludes by expressing hope that as these technologies continue to be adopted, fire prevention, early detection, and evacuation management will evolve to a point where almost all human lives are spared from the consequences of wildfires.
Key takeaways:
- Emerging technologies can assist in wildfire minimization and management in three key areas: preventing wildfires from starting, detecting wildfires before they get out of control, and protecting people when wildfires threaten population centers.
- Technologies such as drones, AI, and digital twins can help in identifying potential fire-starting areas, predicting wildfires, and directing crews to areas of overgrowth.
- AI-enabled cameras and satellites can aid in early detection of wildfires, while intelligent evacuation management tools can help orchestrate efficient and safe evacuations.
- While technology can greatly assist in wildfire management, it is not a turn-key solution. Successful department-wide technology training and adoption are necessary for these technologies to be effective.