The FireSafe Council, Stanford University, the Department of Homeland Security, and multiple regional fire agencies in the San Francisco Peninsula region have partnered to install 50 sensors that use artificial intelligence to help detect wildland fires.
The N-5 sensors have been installed in wildland urban interface areas within San Mateo County, including: Woodside; Portola Valley; Redwood City; Palo Alto; and land owned by Stanford University. The sensors will be able to alert first responders about fires in real time, and can track movement of fire and smoke, along with information on air quality.
“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. “They’re able to detect wildfire smoke and differentiate between that and things like chimney smoke or smoke from a BBQ. Each type of smoke has a fingerprint. It’s really about early detection and alerting.”
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.”