Xcel, electric cooperatives AI cameras helped detect Junes Bear Creek fire [Video]

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — New artificial intelligence technology is being implemented along the Front Range to detect wildfires, and it aided in the detection of June’s Bear Creek Fire.

Pano AI’s early wildfire detection technology pinpoints ignition in remote, high-risk areas. On June 16, a fire caused by a lightning strike in the Bennett Mountain area above Strontia Springs Reservoir in Douglas County was detected by this technology using AI cameras funded by Xcel Energy and CORE Electric Cooperative.

Removal of dam near Salida will impact activities

These cameras are constantly taking 360-degree view images and analyzing them to learn the area and learn to detect smoke from a fire or smoke from a smoke signal. Xcel’s Director of Community Relations Andrew Holder said the detection is then simultaneously alerting first responders in the area, including precision triangulation to give emergency responders a specific location.

“Pano AI camera system does allow first responders to get access into it so they can …