A University of Oregon Hazards Lab team led by Nick Maggio has successfully integrated an artificial intelligence wildfire-detection system with a network of camera towers across Oregon, enabling firefighters to spot wildfires quickly and accurately. The system, developed in collaboration with California-based tech company ALERTWest, uses AI to monitor the camera feeds and alert specialists at ALERTWest’s offices in California when signs of fire, such as smoke, are detected. The system is part of a multi-hazard detection network that also includes earthquake monitoring.
The project, initially funded by the Oregon Legislature in response to the state’s frequent wildfires, has received additional support from various federal agencies and utilities. The network of cameras is being expanded to cover more areas, with plans to add 30 more cameras by late 2025. The collaboration between the University of Oregon and various agencies, including the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Bureau of Land Management, aims to create a comprehensive and coordinated wildfire detection system in the state.
The Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee was established in 2022 to ensure cooperation and avoid redundancies between the different camera systems in the state. The committee includes representatives from emergency services, state and federal agencies, and the University of Oregon. By sharing information and coordinating efforts, the goal is to enhance situational awareness and improve response to wildfires in Oregon. The use of AI technology in monitoring and detecting wildfires represents a significant advancement in wildfire prevention and response efforts in the state.
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