Fire departments are harnessing AI.
An increasing number of fire departments across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to improve how they detect and respond to wildfires. In places like Aspen, Colorado, where wildfires have become a year-round concern rather than a seasonal one, officials are using AI-driven camera systems to identify signs of fire—sometimes even before emergency calls are made.
These advanced systems use 360-degree rotating cameras positioned high in the mountains to continuously scan for smoke. When the cameras detect something suspicious, the images are analyzed by an AI algorithm trained to distinguish smoke from other visual elements. If the AI flags a possible fire, a human team reviews the alert. Once verified, fire crews are notified with precise coordinates via text or email, allowing for rapid response.
Developed by Pano AI, the technology also provides satellite imagery and overlays weather data like wind speed and humidity to help assess fire behavior. Aspen Fire was the first department in the country to implement this system four years ago, at a time when increasing wildfire risks were driving up local insurance costs. Deputy Chief Jake Andersen emphasized that the system provides critical real-time information that allows crews to act immediately, without waiting for on-site assessments.
The AI platform has also proven helpful during planned burns. For instance, during April’s 900-acre Sunnyside Prescribed Fire in Aspen, the system was used to ensure the fire remained within controlled boundaries. Firefighters could monitor heat signatures and track hot spots for days, even during nighttime operations. Aspen Fire Chief Rick Balentine noted that the tool has been especially beneficial in navigating the area’s challenging terrain.
Now in use across ten states—including Colorado, California, and Oregon—the technology allows multiple agencies to share alerts and coordinate regional firefighting efforts. Ali Hammond, Aspen Fire’s director of community wildfire resistance, said having access to such tools dramatically improves safety for firefighters by giving them better insight into the conditions they’ll face in the field.
