Government funds AI camera expansion to support wildfire response

The BC Ministry of Forests has announced that the wildfire camera network first piloted in 2024 will be expanded across British Columbia, with an investment of $200,000.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus (UBCO).

According to the Ministry, the camera network uses 5G connectivity to detect smoke and send real-time data to first responders.

The system is designed to support evacuation decisions, guide resource deployment and improve predictions of wildfire movement.

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, said: “With this technology, we’re making strides in protecting communities from wildfires by predicting them before they happen.

“And better predicting them means keeping more families safe. I’m proud to work with UBCO and use its research to protect our communities from the threat of wildfire.”

Climate risk drives focus on early fire detection

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness has also contributed $50,000 to the expansion project.

Minister Kelly Greene said: “As our climate changes, it’s important to manage and reduce risks to keep people safe.

“Taking steps to prevent disasters, such as the early detection of wildfires, can be life-saving and helps protect communities, homes, critical infrastructure and our forests.”

The technology was first tested in 2024 in five locations in British Columbia through a partnership between Rogers Communications, Pano AI and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

The provincial government reported that the success of the trial supported the decision to fund broader deployment.

Officials confirmed that the cameras are already in use in several regions and will be extended to more areas in 2025.

Artificial intelligence supports data analysis and response

Data collected by the camera system is sent to UBCO, where it is processed using artificial intelligence.

The university said that the results are used to support emergency management, public safety messaging and on-the-ground decision-making by fire services.

Lesley Cormack, principal and deputy vice-chancellor of UBC Okanagan, said: “As a leading research institution, the University of British Columbia Okanagan is proud to partner with the BC Wildfire Service and the Government of British Columbia to support the people of the province through the provincial wildfire camera network.”

Mathieu Bourbonnais, from the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at UBCO, said: “The provincial camera network will serve as a vital public-safety platform, helping to build safe and resilient communities, while enhancing wildfire and emergency management across British Columbia.”

Community engagement encouraged in wildfire network rollout

The BC Wildfire Service has invited communities, local governments and First Nations to express interest in hosting or expanding the camera system.

Organisations can contact the BCWS by email at [email protected].

The Province noted that collaboration with regional stakeholders is key to the system’s effectiveness.

The Ministry said that by increasing the number of participating sites, the coverage area will improve and lead to faster wildfire detection.

Officials noted that the network complements other BCWS prevention and readiness efforts, including public outreach and prescribed fire planning.

Technology-based prevention strategies growing in importance

The government of British Columbia has emphasised that using real-time detection technology is part of a broader approach to wildfire risk management.

The Ministry of Forests stated that advances in digital systems and artificial intelligence are contributing to better planning and faster responses.

Officials added that wildfire suppression costs can be reduced when fires are caught early, and public safety is improved when evacuation decisions are based on current data.

The provincial strategy includes camera-based detection, satellite monitoring, remote sensing, and partnerships with research institutions.

The government said the current camera expansion builds on those priorities by offering a practical tool for first responders.

British Columbia expands wildfire camera network for early detection: Summary

The BC Ministry of Forests announced a $200,000 investment to expand its wildfire detection camera network.

The programme is being delivered in partnership with the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness contributed an additional $50,000.

The system uses 5G technology to detect wildfire smoke and provide real-time data.

The data is analysed using artificial intelligence at UBCO.

The network is intended to support evacuation planning and resource deployment.

Initial trials took place in 2024 in five locations.

The pilot involved partnerships with Rogers Communications, Pano AI and the BC Wildfire Service.

Officials said the results supported province-wide expansion.

First responders and emergency managers are the primary users of the system.

UBCO researchers process and interpret the camera data.

The Province has invited communities and First Nations to participate in the network.

The system is part of a wider approach to wildfire prevention and emergency readiness.

The camera network is already operational in some areas.

More sites will be added throughout 2025.