Arizona Public Service is using artificial intelligence to detect wildfires sooner in an attempt to improve response times for emergency services.
Their new cameras can identify smoke from up to 25 miles away.
APS has installed the AI cameras on their poles in high risk fire areas of northern Arizona, in hopes of catching smoke and new blazes early.
The 24-hour cameras scan their surroundings looking for smoke and are monitored by a fire mitigation team.
“We’re using these cameras to monitor the surroundings. If necessary and if firefighters request us shutting off power to help protect our safety, we always will coordinate with them to make those decisions," said Yessica del Rincón with APS.
APS will share access to the cameras with firefighters and their dispatch centers. More cameras are expected to be installed in the high country this summer.
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