In recent developments, AI technology is proving to be a game-changer in both wildfire detection and wildlife conservation efforts. In Hong Kong, the AI start-up Robotics Cats has been recognized as a 'top innovator' by the World Economic Forum in June 2024 for its pioneering work in using AI to monitor endangered bird species and detect wildfires. Founded in September 2019 by Andre Cheung Wai-kin, Robotics Cats launched a pilot project in September 2023 aimed at biodiversity management in the New Territories. This initiative follows a previous partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in May 2022 at the Mai Po nature reserve, where AI successfully detected a wildfire at Kai Kung Leng on January 24, 2023. Over the past decade, Hong Kong has recorded 233 hill fires from 2013 to 2023, highlighting the need for effective monitoring systems. While AI enhances efficiency in data collection, experts note that its effectiveness may be limited in remote areas. Government support is deemed crucial for the technological development necessary for conservation efforts.
In Singapore, the digital transformation agency GovTech has upgraded its AI system called Balefire to detect smokers in prohibited areas. The latest version, Balefire 3.0, is now operational in 20 locations across Singapore. The upgraded system incorporates a custom processing pipeline that includes head detection and processing, heuristic-based filtering, smoke/no-smoke classification, and a reidentification module. The primary objective of the upgrade is to enhance the accuracy of detecting smokers and minimize false positives, enabling enforcement officers to allocate their resources more effectively to identified hotspots. This implementation demonstrates Singapore's commitment to leveraging AI technology for improving public safety and enforcing smoking regulations.
In Finland, new smoke alarm rules have been implemented to prevent fire fatalities. The new law transfers the responsibility of maintaining smoke alarms from residents to the owners of the building. The Finnish National Rescue Organisation (Spek) estimates that the new rules could save around ten lives a year. The rules came into force at the start of the year, but a transitional period will run until 2026 to allow housing companies to plan the implementation.
Meanwhile, in Gainesville, Florida, a local tech startup called Fire Neural Network is using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and locate wildfires early to prevent their spread. The CEO of Fire Neural Network, Istvan Kereszy, explains that their focus has been on building a detector network and providing coordinates to ground crews and pilots of the Florida forest service. They have also developed their own fixed-wing drone called Firebird, which can fly at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour for two to three hours, covering distances of 200 miles with a single battery charge. The drone helps cut down the time spent by ground crews searching for hotspots in the smoke. The Firebird drone uses AI, specifically the NVIDIA system, to filter out and send alerts only when a fire is detected, making the process quicker and more efficient.
Cal Fire, the firefighting agency in California, is also utilizing new technology to tackle wildfires across the state. They have launched a new website that provides real-time information on fires, evacuations, and animal shelters. The website includes a map of the fire perimeter, live air resources tracking, and up-to-date data on containment percentages. The website also embeds live videos from ALERT California wildfire cameras, which use artificial intelligence to spot smoke and help Cal Fire respond more quickly. The new technology is in all 21 of Cal Fire's emergency command centers across the state. Cal Fire has also secured an additional 20 helicopters and 4 airplanes, with five of the new helicopters equipped for night flying missions.
In Vernon, British Columbia, the Vernon Fire Chief, David Lind, describes the city's new artificial intelligence-driven wildfire detection system as a 'fire alarm in the forest.' The system involves cameras and air sensors collecting data that is fed into an AI system for analysis. Fire Rescue Services in Vernon have been testing the system for the past two years. The sensors monitor the air for volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, methane, and nitrogen oxides, along with thermal imaging. The early detection has been a valuable tool for firefighters during testing, with the need for crews to get to wildfires faster as drought conditions prompt rapid growth of undetected blazes. The SenseNet system was installed at Predator Ridge Resort to help draw tourists back to the Okanagan after severe blazes in recent years. The cost of the system's installation at Predator Ridge has not been released. Lind said the new system was not meant to replace any existing detection systems but to provide 'another layer' of protection while work continues on reducing fire fuel and other initiatives.
California is using AI-trained cameras to detect wildfires before emergency calls are made; the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) was able to contain a wildfire to just a quarter of an acre due to the rapid response facilitated by AI. Sebastian Griffin, in an opinion piece, highlights the importance of AI as a first line of defense in limiting the effects of wildfires. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, advanced detection systems are crucial. Griffin emphasizes the need for appropriate oversight to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in implementing AI technologies. He also mentions the role of private sector involvement in driving innovation and efficiency. California's AI-driven wildfire detection system can serve as a model for other states and regions. Leveraging AI with proper oversight is essential in safeguarding communities and natural resources from increasing wildfire risks. [ce937632][a55181b8]