Fifty sensors that use artificial intelligence to help detect wildland fires have been installed in parts of the Peninsula, the result of a partnership between the Saratoga-based FireSafe Council, Stanford University and other local agencies.
The sensors have been installed in wildland urban interface areas — the space between wildlife and human habitats — in Woodside, Portola Valley and unincorporated parts of San Mateo County. The sensors can alert first responders about burgeoning fires in real time, and can track movement of fire and smoke in addition to air quality.
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“This is the culmination of a multi-month process to avail of a unique program from the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate and N5 Sensors,” FireSafe Council CEO Seth Schalet said in a press release.
Though the Peninsula is the latest region to install AI-powered sensors, other parts of the Bay Area have already been utilizing them. Parts of Santa Clara County and Oakland have installed the sensors over the past year.
The sensors are solar powered, and use artificial intelligence to analyze gas, particulate matter and heat to aid in the detection of fires.
“Wildfire knows no boundaries,” Palo Alto Fire Chief Geo Blackshire said in a release. “Our community risk reduction efforts are more effective when we collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to ensure safe communities.
“Early detection is essential for saving lives, property, and protecting the environment from the perils of wildfire.”
