Expansion of wildfire tracking to new regions

Google has announced the expansion of its wildfire boundary tracker to 15 new countries across Europe and Africa.

This expansion aims to provide vital information to communities, helping them stay safe amidst increasing wildfire risks.

As reported by Google, the tool, which utilizes AI for detailed wildfire boundary tracking, is now available in Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Monaco, Montenegro, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovenia, Spain, and Türkiye.

During a week in July, wildfires severely affected regions such as the Greek islands of Kos, Chios, and Crete, and the Spanish community of Extremadura, where authorities deployed 60 personnel to control a forest fire.

In the Paphos region of Cyprus, a wildfire was reportedly caused by light refracted through broken glass.

Estimates suggest that fire-prone territories in Europe have doubled in the past 50 years.

Enhanced accuracy with AI technology

Google’s AI-powered wildfire tracking model leverages multiple sources of data, including various satellite imagery datasets.

The model’s accuracy is enhanced by comparing it against fire scars, which are shapes determined after a fire has been contained.

Additional AI models are used to verify the existence of fires, providing more definitive wildfire boundaries than satellite imagery alone.

As of this summer, Google mapped over 40 wildfires in southern Europe, including those in Spain, Greece, and Cyprus, and extended the tracking from Portugal to Kenya.

This information was made available through Google Search, Maps, and push notifications, complementing on-the-ground efforts to keep people informed and safe.

In the first week of July alone, 1.4 million people viewed Google’s wildfire information following wildfire outbreaks across Europe and Africa.

Providing accessible information for all

The wildfire boundary tracking feature is designed to be accessible and useful to both native language speakers and visitors who may not speak the local language.

Notifications are based on user settings and preferred language, ensuring timely, localized information.

Additionally, wildfire information is overlaid on Google Maps driving directions, aiding travelers in understanding potential wildfire risks along their routes.

This initiative is part of Google’s broader efforts to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and the hazards it brings.

By improving their models over time, Google aims to expand this feature to more countries, continuing to provide critical information when it is needed most.