Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A growing number of fire departments across the United States are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence technology to detect wildfires more efficiently and respond swiftly.
In Aspen, Colorado, local fire officials have noted a significant change in wildfire risk. What was once a seasonal threat has now transformed into a year-round concern. To combat this shift, they have implemented AI-powered cameras designed to identify smoke even before emergency calls are placed.
Arvind Satyam, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Pano AI, highlights the advantages of this advanced technology.
“They are obtaining a comprehensive 360-degree perspective of the landscape,” Satyam stated.
Strategically positioned high in the mountainous terrain, these rotating cameras actively scan for signs of smoke. Upon detection of a potential fire, a human review team evaluates the alert. Verified alerts are promptly sent to Aspen Fire via text message or email, including crucial details about the exact location, according to Satyam.
“Our system operates a smoke detection algorithm,” Satyam elaborated. “Essentially, it analyzes the imagery to ascertain whether it depicts smoke or not.”
In addition to smoke detection, these devices provide satellite views of the terrain, enabling fire officials to assess weather conditions such as wind speed and humidity.
Aspen Fire made history as the first department in the United States to adopt this cutting-edge technology four years ago. The decision stemmed from escalating wildfire threats that started to inflate insurance costs in the local area, reports from Pano AI leaders and Aspen Fire Department officials confirm.
“This technology delivers us immediate intelligence rather than relying on the hope that someone will arrive quickly,” explained Jake Andersen, deputy chief of operations for Aspen Fire.
Aspen officials have established a goal to have their crews on-site within five minutes of an incident being reported. This swift response would be nearly unattainable without precise location data provided by the AI system. Furthermore, the fire crews can access the Pano AI map on their mobile devices while responding to emergency calls. One of the key features of the system is its ability to track heat signatures during the night and monitor hotspots even days after a fire has been extinguished.
Aspen Fire Chief Rick Balentine emphasized the critical role this technology plays in navigating the unique terrain of Aspen. The AI system was notably employed during Aspen’s Sunnyside Prescribed Fire, a controlled burn that covered 900 acres on the southern face of Red Mountain this past April.
According to Balentine, the department used Pano AI cameras to effectively monitor that fire, ensuring it remained within the defined boundaries to prevent ecological and structural damage.
The impact of this AI technology extends beyond Aspen. The system is now actively utilized across ten states, including Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Montana. This collaboration allows multiple fire agencies to share alerts and synchronize their response efforts across these regions.
Ali Hammond, director of community wildfire resistance at Aspen Fire, remarked on the significant difference this kind of technology makes for firefighting teams.
“Having tools like this one enables our department to gauge the conditions our firefighters will encounter more accurately,” Hammond stated.
As wildfires continue to pose a severe threat to communities across the nation, the enhancement of detection and response systems through AI represents a transformative shift for fire departments. The precision and speed offered by this technology may prove crucial in mitigating damages and protecting lives in an increasingly unpredictable reality of wildfires.
In summation, the integration of advanced AI technology into wildfire management is reshaping the landscape of firefighting. As more departments adopt these innovations, the potential for improved public safety and effective wildfire management continues to grow.
