Cal Fire’s fire detection AI program, recognized as one of the best inventions of 2023 by Time magazine, is revolutionizing early fire detection and response, potentially saving lives and preventing destruction.
Cal Fire’s fire detection artificial intelligence program, named one of the best inventions of 2023 by Time magazine, is changing the game in early fire detection and response. With over 1,000 strategically placed cameras that can detect smoke columns, this advanced tool is proving to be beneficial across California.
In a recent interview, Andrew Emerick of Cal Fire expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication put into making this program successful. Time magazine selected it as one of 200 extraordinary inventions that have the potential to change lives.
The program was specifically created for early fire detection and rapid response before a fire has the chance to grow. The key to its success lies in the over 1,000 cameras strategically placed throughout California. These cameras take photos, including panoramic shots, at regular intervals of one to two photos. The system then analyzes the photos to recognize any differences that may indicate the presence of smoke.
Once the program determines that smoke is present, a notification is sent to the command center, prompting further investigation. This proved to be crucial in a recent incident in Grass Valley on September 11, where the AI detected a fire well before it could escalate further.
One of the most significant advantages of this program is its ability to detect smoke up to an hour earlier than traditional methods. This early detection can provide firefighters with valuable time to respond and contain the fire before it spreads, potentially saving lives and minimizing destruction.
Andrew Emerick emphasizes that the ultimate goal of this program is to continue saving lives and preventing the devastating destruction that California has witnessed in recent years. By detecting fires earlier and enabling a rapid response, this AI technology has the potential to make a significant impact on firefighting efforts.
As Cal Fire’s fire detection AI program garners national recognition, it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the individuals involved in its development. With its ability to detect smoke earlier and improve response times, this advanced tool has the potential to change the landscape of firefighting in California and beyond.
Sources:
– SACRAMENTO — Cal Fire is getting national recognition for a piece of technology that is helping in the firefight. Time magazine named the agency’s fire detection artificial intelligence program one of the best inventions of 2023.
– “I know a lot of people within our department and our programs at UC San Diego and Alert California have put a lot of hard work and time and hours into making sure this program is successful,” said Andrew Emerick of Cal Fire.
– The program – created for early fire detection and rapid response before a fire grows – is already proving to be beneficial across California.
– It’s really all thanks to the over 1,000 strategically placed cameras that can detect smoke columns.
– “These cameras take photos, panoramic photos, every one to two photos,” Emerick said. “The system shoots to recognize differences between the photos.”
– If a finding is determined to be smoke, that’s when the notification is sent to the command center so someone can take a closer look.
– That’s exactly what happened in a populated area of Grass Valley on September 11. “The AI did catch that fire well before 9/11,” Emerick said.
– In many cases, this program can detect smoke up to an hour earlier, which can be a big help in a firefight.
– For Emerick, the goal is to continue saving lives. “Hopefully [it will help] prevent some of that destruction we’ve seen over the last three to four years,” he said.
