Deployment of AI Cameras in Western US Helps Detect Wildfires Early

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:12:00 +0200

States across the fire-prone Western United States are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to detect wildfires at an early stage. In Arizona, an AI camera in Coconino National Forest identified potential smoke from the Diamond Fire, prompting human analysts to confirm the threat and alert the local forest service and utility. Quick detection allowed firefighters to contain the fire before it spread beyond 7 acres. Arizona Public Service operates nearly 40 AI smoke-detection cameras and plans to expand to 71 by the end of summer, while the state fire agency has added seven cameras of its own. In Colorado, Xcel Energy has installed 126 AI cameras and aims to cover seven of the eight states it serves. California operates ALERTCalifornia, a network of 1,240 AI-enabled cameras. Pano AI, a technology provider combining high-definition cameras, satellite data, and AI monitoring, reported detecting 725 wildfires in the U.S. last year. The system notifies authorities abo