AI and Fire Detection
Cal Fire is leveraging artificial intelligence to swiftly respond to fires in some of the Bay Area’s most remote regions.
This technology assists crews in monitoring numerous Alert California cameras by alerting Cal Fire when smoke is detected in Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties. Recently, it also aided firefighters in tackling a small fire near the Altamont Pass.
How Does It Work?
“I receive an email about the anomaly, and I can click on the approximate location,” explained Cal Fire Santa Clara Capt. Jameson Potter while demonstrating the technology at the agency’s emergency operations center in Morgan Hill.
Specialists can maneuver the cameras to zoom in on a potential fire and pinpoint its exact location when alerted to anomalies like smoke. Cal Fire then dispatches crews to investigate the area.
Weather Monitoring
The agency’s research data specialists also monitor weather patterns daily. “Weather plays a huge factor, so we monitor weather patterns and lightning strikes,” said Chelsea Burkett with Cal Fire’s Santa Clara unit.
Lightning was a concern this week, with a strike detected Monday near Los Gatos.
The data helps crews determine the most effective strategies for battling a blaze by assessing weather patterns and predicting fire growth.
The Impact of AI
The five largest wildfires in California’s history occurred between 2018 and 2021, all in Northern California, according to Cal Fire. Now, artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of firefighting efforts. Marianne Favro reports.
For more information, visit the full article on NBC Bay Area.
- 0 Comments
- Ai Process
- Artificial Intelligence