AI-enabled cameras for wildfire detection, typically a West Coast phenomenon, continue to inch further east. Xcel Energy has announced it is partnering with Pano AI to install more than 50 camera stations across its territory.
It’s a tool Xcel is familiar with- in June, cameras installed by Xcel Energy and CORE Electric Cooperative detected wildfire smoke caused by a lightning strike. Within 30 minutes of the identification, emergency services dispatched two helicopters to the fire when it was only a quarter-acre large. The helicopters dropped 17,765 gallons of water on the fire over the next six hours, limiting the wildfire to three acres.
Now, Xcel is bringing the tech to Texas, where Austin Energy also recently announced it is deploying an AI-driven wildfire detection system from Pano AI across its entire 437-square-mile service territory. The Pano AI system integrates 13 360-degree cameras, artificial intelligence, and real-time data monitoring to detect and verify potential wildfires. The AI-driven system continuously scans for smoke, triangulates the fire’s location, and delivers intelligence. Once a fire is identified, the system will automatically alert utilities and local fire departments, providing precise location data and real-time imagery to help first responders in their efforts.
However, no matter how high they’re installed, cameras can’t see everything. When a camera’s view is obstructed, Pano AI can use infrared satellite feeds to provide additional data, seeing where the camera can’t. These two systems work hand in hand and complement each other: when the infrared satellite picks up a heat signature, it can switch over to a ground camera feed to determine whether a fire has actually started. On the other hand, satellites can be used when a camera’s position doesn’t provide the needed visibility.
“We want to better safeguard our neighbors and reduce the risk of future wildfire loss by investing in advanced wildfire detection capabilities,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president of Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “So many of our friends, families, and communities have been impacted by the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle and we remain committed to supporting them. Providing this technology to our first responders with the information they need to act swiftly and safely to respond to wildfires will improve public safety.”
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, Texas had the highest frequency of wildfires in the nation between 1980-2022 — with 12,571 wildfires and 671,800 acres burned.
Xcel Energy is currently identifying strategic locations for the initial camera stations in areas with the highest fire risk, which it said will be complete in 2025. The company plans to install more cameras in Texas and expand the program into its New Mexico service territory.
Xcel Energy has previously faced pressure over its wildfire activities and plans. Earlier this year, Xcel acknowledged its role in the Smokehouse Creek Fire, which burned more than 1 million acres. Xcel said a fallen utility pole appeared to have been involved in the ignition of the wildfire, which grew to become the largest in Texas history. The utility, however, denied accusations of negligence.
Xcel also faced pushback for preventative wildfire efforts. The utility shut off power to 55,000 customers in Colorado during a 96 mph windstorm in April, leading to calls for reform from the governor due to some outages persisting for days.
The all-seeing eye in the sky
AI-enabled cameras are becoming a popular choice for utility wildfire mitigation.
Portland General Electric (PGE) has also launched an AI-enabled wildfire detection system from Pano AI. PGE’s wildfire detection methods include early fault detection, weather stations, and AI cameras. To date, PGE said it has achieved 100% camera detection and weather station coverage, in addition to installing six distribution circuits with early fault detection sensors. This year, it plans to complete the installation of two more AI-equipped cameras, five more weather stations, and two more circuits with early fault detection.
In Alaska, the Anchorage Fire Department and Chugach Electric have adopted a new automated monitoring system for the Anchorage Hillside, Alaska’s News Source reported. The fire department has installed FIRE-SPY systems from GRIDWIDE – an “always on” monitoring solution installed on overhead transformers. The system monitors and detects flames, smoke, gas, temperature, and humidity. When an abnormal condition is detected, an automated alert is sent to operators and first responders.
Further west, Hawaii’s electric utility, which is still recovering from wildfires that killed more than 200 people and damaged more than 2,000 buildings last year, is deploying high-resolution cameras equipped with artificial intelligence for early wildfire detection. Hawaiian Electric is installing two high-resolution cameras at 78 locations across the five islands. The cameras will provide the utility with a full 360-degree view of areas with elevated wildfire risk and can be accessed by the public.
