University of Oregon helps to manage large network of wildfire detection cameras

Wildland firefighters across the West now have access to a large network of cameras monitored by AI to alert them to wildfires when they start.  University of Oregon’s Oregon Hazards Lab, along with collaborators at other universities, have partnered with the company ALERTWest to monitor the cameras 24/7. When an algorithm detects smoke or fire, an operations center will be alerted, and dispatchers will then alert the appropriate fire manager. Doug Toomey, director of OHAZ, will join us to discuss how this system will help in the fight against wildfires.