![]() The cameras also are now being placed beyond areas at high risk of wildfire to monitor other natural disasters, including atmospheric rivers and flooding, Scully said. Many members of the public also have become familiar with the system, using the public-facing camera views to monitor wildfires in their vicinity. The state fire agency has invested $20.3 million in the system, with a commitment to provide at least $3.5 million more in the coming year, Cal Fire said. The devices can provide views of up to 60 miles during a clear day and up to 120 miles during a clear night.Īuthorized personnel also can train the cameras on specific points to monitor unfolding events. With pan-tilt and zoom capabilities and near-infrared night vision, they provide 24-hour surveillance and 360-degree sweeps every two minutes, some of them monitoring the same peaks and ridge tops from different perspectives. ![]() The statewide system now boasts 1,032 high-definition cameras - 199 of them sponsored by Cal Fire - strategically deployed around California. The ALERTCalifornia system is a natural partner for Cal Fire, having grown as a network substantially over the past 20 years through several iterations. They also monitor forest microclimates, temperature, humidity and air pressure in dark, dense areas of the forest with limited connectivity, due to the remote, rugged terrain. The sensors are designed to detect wildfires "within minutes, often during their early smoldering phase, greatly reducing the risk of spreading or becoming larger or more catastrophic," Cal Fire said. Sensors installed in May in a pilot area at the Jackson Demonstration Forest in Mendocino County were designed to detect fire starts in dark, densely forested areas utilizing artificial intelligence to detect changes in the air and to distinguish campfires from "fires of significance and fires of insignificance." ![]() Bill Dodd, D- Napa, in 2021.īenjamin Rogers, assistant deputy director at the office, said the ALERTCalifornia system is among several being tested by Cal Fire at different sites. The trial program is part of an effort by Cal Fire to pursue cutting edge technology to aid its mission, made possible in part through the agency's new Office of Wildfire Technology, Research and Development created by legislation authored by state Sen. This device is unable to display framed content. "Before this program, we would get a 911 call and we would have to spin the cameras to the area. "It is allowing us to be more efficient and to have more situational awareness before we arrive at the scene," Marcucci said. ![]()
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