Alberta set to use artificial intelligence to fight fires
The province is investing in the development.
Alberta is investing in artificial intelligence: provincial authorities expect AI to help predict new wildfire hotspots — before they happen. Technology partners say the move could save up to CA$ 5 million a year.
The Alberta Wildfire Agency has chosen software company AltaML as a partner. Their AI will indicate high-risk locations for fires the day before they start. This will help special services respond more quickly and plan resources better.
"In the past and currently, we know what we have for fuels (like trees), we know what’s available to burn, and we know through our weather forecasting how bad the weather is going to be," summarized Ed Trenchard, provincial wildfire specialist.
He works with communities and businesses in Alberta on long-term planning to reduce the risk of fires. And when they do occur, he is on the scene.
Federal officials said Canada is experiencing an unprecedented wildfire season this year, with nearly 179,000 km² burned as of the end of September, compared to a 10-year average of about 2,700 for this time of year. In Alberta, fires have forced the evacuation of several communities this year, including Edson and Drayton Valley in the west and Fort Chipewyan in the northeast.
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