US lawmakers look to AI to detect wildfires earlier


  • TECH
  • Friday, 27 Jan 2023

A bill is being introduced in the Colorado Legislature to create a US$2-million pilot program to use cameras likely equipped with artificial intelligence technology in high-risk areas to help identify fires before they can burn out of control. — AP Photo/David Zalubowski

DENVER: A year after the most destructive wildfire in the state's history scorched nearly 1,100 homes, Colorado lawmakers are considering joining other Western states by adopting artificial intelligence in the hopes of detecting blazes before they burn out of control.

A proposal that legislators will discuss in a hearing Thursday would create a US$2mil (RM8.4mil) pilot program to mount cameras on mountaintops in high-risk locations. An artificial intelligence program developed by a private company would analyze the images and sounds from cameras with 10-mile (about 16km) radiuses with the aim of detecting something that could signal the start of a 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

Submerging servers in liquid helps data centres cut energy use
Xreal’s One Pro are a stopgap ahead of true AR smart glasses
German firms to submit competing EU bids for AI gigafactory, newspaper reports
Japan's TDK acquires US-based smart glasses company SoftEye, source says
Waymo looks to test its self-driving cars in New York
New tool finds vast online abuse of players
Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in Malaysia on July 3
Can you choose an AI model that harms the planet less?
How the world's top ad agencies aligned to fix prices in India
US resumes visas for foreign students but demands access to social media accounts

Others Also Read