How AI Wildfire Detection Cameras Are Transforming Early Fire Response in the Western U.S.

On a March afternoon, artificial intelligence detected what appeared to be smoke on a camera feed from Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. Human analysts quickly confirmed it was not a cloud or dust and alerted the state’s forest service and Arizona Public Service, the largest electric utility in the state. One of dozens of AI cameras installed by the utility had spotted early signs of what became known as the Diamond Fire. Firefighters responded rapidly and contained the blaze before it grew beyond 7 acres (2.8 hectares).

AI Wildfire Detection Expands Across the West

As record-breaking heat and historically low snowpack intensify wildfire risks, states across the fire-prone Western U.S. are integrating artificial intelligence into their wildfire detection strategies. These AI-powered systems aim to identify fires earlier than traditional methods, providing critical time to deploy resources and limit damage.

Arizona Public Service has already activated nearly 40 AI smoke-detection cameras and plans to expand to 71 by the end of summer. The state’s fire agency has also deployed seven of its own AI-enabled cameras. In Colorado, Xcel Energy has installed 126 cameras and aims to cover seven of the eight states it serves by the end of 2024.

"Earlier detection means we can launch aircraft and personnel to it and keep those fires as small as we can."

— John Truett, Fire Management Officer, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

How AI Cameras Outperform Traditional Detection

ALERTCalifornia, a network of 1,240 AI-enabled cameras across the state, operates similarly to Arizona’s system. The technology relies on human oversight to minimize false positives and improve accuracy over time, according to Neal Driscoll, a geology and geophysics professor at the University of California, San Diego, and founder of ALERTCalifornia.

"The AI that’s being run on the cameras is actually beating 911 calls."

— Neal Driscoll, Founder of ALERTCalifornia

In remote, rural, or sparsely populated areas—where fires often go unreported for extended periods—AI monitoring provides an essential early warning system. Brent Pascua, a battalion chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), emphasized the technology’s value in these high-risk zones.

"It’s just the ones where we won’t get a 911 call for a long time—it is extremely helpful to have that AI always monitoring that camera." In many cases, we’ve started a response before 911 was even called, and in a few cases, we’ve gone there, put the fire out, and never received a 911 call."

— Brent Pascua, Battalion Chief, Cal Fire

Growing Adoption and Impact of AI Wildfire Detection

Pano AI, a company combining high-definition camera feeds, satellite data, and AI monitoring, has seen increased demand since its launch in 2020. Its cameras are now deployed in Australia, Canada, and 17 U.S. states, including Oregon, Washington, and Texas. Customers range from forestry operations and government agencies to utilities like Arizona Public Service.

Last year, Pano AI’s technology detected 725 wildfires in the U.S. alone. The company reports that stakeholders consistently highlight the lifesaving potential of the technology, with early detection preventing fires from escalating into large-scale disasters.

"In many of these situations, we hear from stakeholders that the visual intelligence and the time really give them a head start. Some of these fires could have taken off into hundreds [of acres] if…"