The heat wave this week is the first one of what will probably be more later this summer. It also is a reminder that we are heading toward the peak of the traditional wildfire season, although as well know, the summer fire season can become the all-year long fire season.
And with last winter’s record rainfall, rather than reducing wildfire risk has led to more vegetation and more fuel for fires.
But the news the other day from Cal Fire about the new technology now being used to predict, spot, and fight wildfires in California is a giant leap from the not-so-distant past.
As Cal Matters pointed out this week, the widespread use of drones, military satellites, infrared images and now of artificial intelligence with maps, cameras and even fighting strategy, is good news.
As one Cal Fire commander said this week, the use of AI is a huge deal.
But we all have to do our part. By helping to prevent wildfires from starting and being prepared to evacuate so firefighters can better fight the fires.
A local TV reporter this week showed how important it is to have a fire safe box in which to quickly place key items to allow you to leave quickly when wildfires approach.
An important item to put on “to do lists” as the temperatures soar this week.
(Photo Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images