Arrr! The AI be joinin' forces wit' the brave California firehearties to spy smoke afore it becometh mayhem!
2023-07-12
Arrr, me hearties! The fearsome California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection be joinin' forces wit' an ingenious AI program to spy them wildfires afore they unleash mayhem and snatch lives. Aye, 'tis a grand alliance to thwart the fiery devils!
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has partnered with the University of California San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program to test a $24 million artificial intelligence (AI) program that can detect potential wildfires. The state of California is the most wildfire-prone in the nation, experiencing thousands of wildfires and millions of acres burned each year. The new AI program, which never sleeps, will use over 1,000 high-definition cameras positioned throughout the state to monitor for signs of smoke or fire. The cameras can capture images from up to 120 miles away during clear nights and are equipped with near-infrared night vision. They can also rotate 360 degrees and zoom in on distant objects. The AI system has been trained to detect abnormalities in the camera feeds and will alert emergency centers when heat, fire, or smoke is detected, allowing humans to quickly investigate if there is a real threat. California has also utilized drone technology in recent years to aid in firefighting efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom has praised the state's use of high-tech solutions to combat wildfires and has emphasized the need for vigilance during what is expected to be an intense wildfire season. Other states, including Washington and Colorado, are also implementing AI-powered systems to monitor for wildfires.