Catching fire: AI is helping scarce firefighters better predict blazes


A firefighter passes a burning home as the Dixie Fire flares in Plumas County, California on Saturday, July 24, 2021. As this year’s fire season flares in the western US, Calkin is charging ahead with his research agenda, hoping to produce insights on everything from where planes should drop fire retardant to how hotshot crews – elite firefighting units – spread out during a blaze. — AP

LOS ANGELES: Last summer, as Will Harling captained a fire engine trying to control a wildfire that had burst out of northern California’s Klamath National Forest, overrun a firebreak and raced towards his hometown, he got a frustrating email.

It was a statistical analysis from Oregon State University forestry researcher Chris Dunn, predicting that the spot where firefighters had built the firebreak, on top of a ridge a few miles out of town, had only a 10% chance of stopping the blaze.

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

Trump Media launches TV streaming platform with Newsmax channel globally
CoreWeave to buy Core Scientific in $9 billion deal to meet AI power needs
Tesla slides as Musk's 'America Party' heightens investor worries
Analysis-US SEC's guidance is first step toward rules governing crypto ETFs
Amazon Prime Day set to lift US online sales to $23.8 billion, Adobe estimates
Singapore data centre NTT DC REIT to raise around $773 million from IPO
Belgian banks join European Payments Initiative to expand Wero wallet across Europe
Australian telco Vocus receives government nod for TPG Telecom deal
Apple takes fight against $587 million EU antitrust fine to court
Australia wants to bar children from social media. Can it succeed?

Others Also Read