Wildfires

To combat evolving fire risks more efficiently, a federal fire agency is developing an emergency response system that uses data to inform action. In California, a new online map makes Clean Air Centers information more accessible.

The Hawaiian Electric Co. has begun installing high-resolution video cameras with artificial intelligence technology, to spot ignitions early in areas near its equipment that have elevated fire risk.

The Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act was introduced in a bipartisan effort and would help mitigate wildfires, use new technologies, solve the firefighter shortage and improve response times.

As of Monday morning, the largest fire in the state was the Post Fire north of Los Angeles, which had burned 14,625 acres and was 8 percent contained. Evacuation orders had been issued for 1,200 people along I-5.

The utility company announced initial phases of its plan to cut power to customers in certain areas when it becomes concerned by combinations of strong winds, low relative humidity, dry vegetation and other conditions.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Earth Fire Alliance, NASA, Google and SpaceX are among the entities looking to use satellite technology to more quickly find and extinguish wildland fires.

Research finds a correlation between poor air quality from wildfire smoke and visits to the emergency room for heart attacks, particularly pertinent as smoke from Canadian fires blows into the Midwest this week.

Pano AI’s CEO discusses how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing wildfire detection and response by helping agencies optimize resource allocation and protect lives through smarter firefighting tactics.

After the success of an AI-powered wildfire threat detection pilot, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources envisions how a real-time camera response center could safeguard millions of acres of forestlands.

The wildfire detection cameras, a first in Washington, have built-in artificial intelligence that can detect a smoke plume 500 feet tall and thermal imagery. If detected, a California-based central command center will alert local fire crews.

For state and local government agencies across the U.S., GIS technology has the power to inform decision-making, impact funding and improve the constituent experience through various applications.

The funding is part of $2 billion awarded nationally to help states build and sustain capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters.

A growing number of lookout cameras stationed across California to locate and monitor wildfires will soon be equipped with artificial intelligence technology to speed response to fires and other natural disasters.

The ALERTCalifornia network has the capability to funnel data to researchers studying the multiple environmental causes of wildfires, while also granting the public and first responders real-time visual access to detect threats.

The 12th cohort of the New York-based urban tech accelerator includes four companies with a government focus, as well as participation from a new venture capital partner.

The county has partnered with Pano AI tech to monitor for wildfire activity. The technology uses high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence to help spot fires, check fuel conditions and zero in on specific locations.

The imagery and intelligence technology relies on private aircraft, crowdsourcing and even the U.S. Forest Service to provide tactical data to first responders and residents. Bridger recently said it would go public.

Heat waves have hit cities around the country this summer. With extreme heat and heat-related disasters projected to increase, local governments are considering the ways they can help mitigate risk.