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Would you trust Technology to protect you from wildfires?    Following Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, this is currently up for debate.     With more work than ever to do and 9,500 volunteer firefighters quitting in 2023, it is clear to see why many are looking to Technology and AI to better support the critical role of firefighters and, more specifically, fire lookouts.     Living alone in remote locations for up to six months, fire lookouts watch the horizon and report the first signs of a wildfire - the goal being to catch fires quickly and expedite the emergency response.     AI technologies like drones are a logical alternative for this job, operating independently to reduce costs and staffing demand.     But while technologies like these can aid and complement the role of fire lookouts, the fact is they are not currently, and may never be, able to take over the job entirely. And by focusing too much on the Technology, we run the risk of overlooking and overworking the people who are presently responsible for keeping us safe.     In 2023, after testing six systems that use a combination of cameras, sensors, AI and machine learning, Alberta found that none of these systems could beat the detection of a human lookout.   As Trina Moyles – who has served as a fire lookout for the past seven seasons – said: "Technology has a role to play, but Technology is a tool and, at the end of the day, it's a person who's making the decision how to use that Technology. So we really do need to invest in personnel and people."    As with many other industries and use cases, just because technology could, in theory, replace humans does not necessarily mean it should.    https://lnkd.in/gQU6rvqZ    #Technology #AI #Leader

Would you trust Technology to protect you from wildfires?    Following Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, this is currently up for debate.     With more work than ever to do and 9,500 volunteer firefighters quitting in 2023, it is clear to see why many are looking to Technology and AI to better support the critical role of firefighters and, more specifically, fire lookouts.     Living alone in remote locations for up to six months, fire lookouts watch the horizon and report the first signs of a wildfire - the goal being to catch fires quickly and expedite the emergency response.     AI technologies like drones are a logical alternative for this job, operating independently to reduce costs and staffing demand.     But while technologies like these can aid and complement the role of fire lookouts, the fact is they are not currently, and may never be, able to take over the job entirely. And by focusing too much on the Technology, we run the risk of overlooking and overworking the people who are presently responsible for keeping us safe.     In 2023, after testing six systems that use a combination of cameras, sensors, AI and machine learning, Alberta found that none of these systems could beat the detection of a human lookout.   As Trina Moyles – who has served as a fire lookout for the past seven seasons – said: "Technology has a role to play, but Technology is a tool and, at the end of the day, it's a person who's making the decision how to use that Technology. So we really do need to invest in personnel and people."    As with many other industries and use cases, just because technology could, in theory, replace humans does not necessarily mean it should.    https://lnkd.in/erPhW3FD    #Technology #AI #Leader

Would you trust Technology to protect you from wildfires?    Following Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, this is currently up for debate.     With more work than ever to do and 9,500 volunteer firefighters quitting in 2023, it is clear to see why many are looking to Technology and AI to better support the critical role of firefighters and, more specifically, fire lookouts.     Living alone in remote locations for up to six months, fire lookouts watch the horizon and report the first signs of a wildfire - the goal being to catch fires quickly and expedite the emergency response.     AI technologies like drones are a logical alternative for this job, operating independently to reduce costs and staffing demand.     But while technologies like these can aid and complement the role of fire lookouts, the fact is they are not currently, and may never be, able to take over the job entirely. And by focusing too much on the Technology, we run the risk of overlooking and overworking the people who are presently responsible for keeping us safe.     In 2023, after testing six systems that use a combination of cameras, sensors, AI and machine learning, Alberta found that none of these systems could beat the detection of a human lookout.   As Trina Moyles – who has served as a fire lookout for the past seven seasons – said: "Technology has a role to play, but Technology is a tool and, at the end of the day, it's a person who's making the decision how to use that Technology. So we really do need to invest in personnel and people."    As with many other industries and use cases, just because technology could, in theory, replace humans does not necessarily mean it should.    https://lnkd.in/g3RdrCHJ    #Technology #AI #Leader

Would you trust Technology to protect you from wildfires?    Following Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, this is currently up for debate.     With more work than ever to do and 9,500 volunteer firefighters quitting in 2023, it is clear to see why many are looking to Technology and AI to better support the critical role of firefighters and, more specifically, fire lookouts.     Living alone in remote locations for up to six months, fire lookouts watch the horizon and report the first signs of a wildfire - the goal being to catch fires quickly and expedite the emergency response.     AI technologies like drones are a logical alternative for this job, operating independently to reduce costs and staffing demand.     But while technologies like these can aid and complement the role of fire lookouts, the fact is they are not currently, and may never be, able to take over the job entirely. And by focusing too much on the Technology, we run the risk of overlooking and overworking the people who are presently responsible for keeping us safe.     In 2023, after testing six systems that use a combination of cameras, sensors, AI and machine learning, Alberta found that none of these systems could beat the detection of a human lookout.   As Trina Moyles – who has served as a fire lookout for the past seven seasons – said: "Technology has a role to play, but Technology is a tool and, at the end of the day, it's a person who's making the decision how to use that Technology. So we really do need to invest in personnel and people."    As with many other industries and use cases, just because technology could, in theory, replace humans does not necessarily mean it should.    https://lnkd.in/gBWwkGrd    #Technology #AI #Leader

Would you trust Technology to protect you from wildfires?    Following Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, this is currently up for debate.     With more work than ever to do and 9,500 volunteer firefighters quitting in 2023, it is clear to see why many are looking to Technology and AI to better support the critical role of firefighters and, more specifically, fire lookouts.     Living alone in remote locations for up to six months, fire lookouts watch the horizon and report the first signs of a wildfire - the goal being to catch fires quickly and expedite the emergency response.     AI technologies like drones are a logical alternative for this job, operating independently to reduce costs and staffing demand.     But while technologies like these can aid and complement the role of fire lookouts, the fact is they are not currently, and may never be, able to take over the job entirely. And by focusing too much on the Technology, we run the risk of overlooking and overworking the people who are presently responsible for keeping us safe.     In 2023, after testing six systems that use a combination of cameras, sensors, AI and machine learning, Alberta found that none of these systems could beat the detection of a human lookout.   As Trina Moyles – who has served as a fire lookout for the past seven seasons – said: "Technology has a role to play, but Technology is a tool and, at the end of the day, it's a person who's making the decision how to use that Technology. So we really do need to invest in personnel and people."    As with many other industries and use cases, just because technology could, in theory, replace humans does not necessarily mean it should.    https://lnkd.in/ejiVZwNR    #Technology #AI #Leader

Would you trust Technology to protect you from wildfires?    Following Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, this is currently up for debate.     With more work than ever to do and 9,500 volunteer firefighters quitting in 2023, it is clear to see why many are looking to Technology and AI to better support the critical role of firefighters and, more specifically, fire lookouts.     Living alone in remote locations for up to six months, fire lookouts watch the horizon and report the first signs of a wildfire - the goal being to catch fires quickly and expedite the emergency response.     AI technologies like drones are a logical alternative for this job, operating independently to reduce costs and staffing demand.     But while technologies like these can aid and complement the role of fire lookouts, the fact is they are not currently, and may never be, able to take over the job entirely. And by focusing too much on the Technology, we run the risk of overlooking and overworking the people who are presently responsible for keeping us safe.     In 2023, after testing six systems that use a combination of cameras, sensors, AI and machine learning, Alberta found that none of these systems could beat the detection of a human lookout.   As Trina Moyles – who has served as a fire lookout for the past seven seasons – said: "Technology has a role to play, but Technology is a tool and, at the end of the day, it's a person who's making the decision how to use that Technology. So we really do need to invest in personnel and people."    As with many other industries and use cases, just because technology could, in theory, replace humans does not necessarily mean it should.    https://lnkd.in/gKASyM3p    #Technology #AI #Leader

🌲 Exciting news from British Columbia! Forest rangers have successfully tested high-tech cameras mounted on Rogers Communications Inc. cellphone towers to detect wildfires in the Okanagan Valley. These cameras, equipped with AI systems, have proven to be a game-changer in early fire detection, spotting blazes and alerting crews faster than other wildfire detection networks. The success of this pilot project is a significant step forward in leveraging technology to combat wildfires and mitigate the impact of climate change. The collaboration between Rogers, the government-run wildfire service, and researchers at the University of British Columbia demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by wildfires. The use of AI-enhanced cameras, along with other technologies such as drones and satellites, holds great promise in improving response times and preventing small outbreaks from escalating into large-scale infernos. This is particularly crucial in densely populated areas where rapid response is essential. Moreover, the investment in wildfire detection technology, combined with Rogers' 5G and satellite technology, reflects a commitment to protecting communities from the devastating effects of climate change. It's heartening to see companies like Rogers taking proactive steps to contribute to wildfire prevention and community resilience. The expansion of this network and the ongoing collection of data will further enhance the system's capabilities, making it more effective in spotting smoke and heat signatures while reducing false alarms. What are your thoughts on the role of technology in enhancing wildfire detection and response? Comment below! #WildfireDetection #ClimateChange #TechnologyInnovation #CommunityResilience

🌲 Exciting news from British Columbia! Forest rangers have successfully tested high-tech cameras mounted on Rogers Communications Inc. cellphone towers to detect wildfires in the Okanagan Valley. These cameras, equipped with AI systems, have proven to be a game-changer in early fire detection, spotting blazes and alerting crews faster than other wildfire detection networks. The success of this pilot project is a significant step forward in leveraging technology to combat wildfires and mitigate the impact of climate change. The collaboration between Rogers, the government-run wildfire service, and researchers at the University of British Columbia demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by wildfires. The use of AI-enhanced cameras, along with other technologies such as drones and satellites, holds great promise in improving response times and preventing small outbreaks from escalating into large-scale infernos. This is particularly crucial in densely populated areas where rapid response is essential. Moreover, the investment in wildfire detection technology, combined with Rogers' 5G and satellite technology, reflects a commitment to protecting communities from the devastating effects of climate change. It's heartening to see companies like Rogers taking proactive steps to contribute to wildfire prevention and community resilience. The expansion of this network and the ongoing collection of data will further enhance the system's capabilities, making it more effective in spotting smoke and heat signatures while reducing false alarms. What are your thoughts on the role of technology in enhancing wildfire detection and response? Comment below! #WildfireDetection #ClimateChange #TechnologyInnovation #CommunityResilience

🌲 Exciting news from British Columbia! Forest rangers have successfully tested high-tech cameras mounted on Rogers Communications Inc. cellphone towers to detect wildfires in the Okanagan Valley. These cameras, equipped with AI systems, have proven to be a game-changer in early fire detection, spotting blazes and alerting crews faster than other wildfire detection networks. The success of this pilot project is a significant step forward in leveraging technology to combat wildfires and mitigate the impact of climate change. The collaboration between Rogers, the government-run wildfire service, and researchers at the University of British Columbia demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by wildfires. The use of AI-enhanced cameras, along with other technologies such as drones and satellites, holds great promise in improving response times and preventing small outbreaks from escalating into large-scale infernos. This is particularly crucial in densely populated areas where rapid response is essential. Moreover, the investment in wildfire detection technology, combined with Rogers' 5G and satellite technology, reflects a commitment to protecting communities from the devastating effects of climate change. It's heartening to see companies like Rogers taking proactive steps to contribute to wildfire prevention and community resilience. The expansion of this network and the ongoing collection of data will further enhance the system's capabilities, making it more effective in spotting smoke and heat signatures while reducing false alarms. What are your thoughts on the role of technology in enhancing wildfire detection and response? Comment below! #WildfireDetection #ClimateChange #TechnologyInnovation #CommunityResilience

🌲 Exciting news from British Columbia! Forest rangers have successfully tested high-tech cameras mounted on Rogers Communications Inc. cellphone towers to detect wildfires in the Okanagan Valley. These cameras, equipped with AI systems, have proven to be a game-changer in early fire detection, spotting blazes and alerting crews faster than other wildfire detection networks. The success of this pilot project is a significant step forward in leveraging technology to combat wildfires and mitigate the impact of climate change. The collaboration between Rogers, the government-run wildfire service, and researchers at the University of British Columbia demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by wildfires. The use of AI-enhanced cameras, along with other technologies such as drones and satellites, holds great promise in improving response times and preventing small outbreaks from escalating into large-scale infernos. This is particularly crucial in densely populated areas where rapid response is essential. Moreover, the investment in wildfire detection technology, combined with Rogers' 5G and satellite technology, reflects a commitment to protecting communities from the devastating effects of climate change. It's heartening to see companies like Rogers taking proactive steps to contribute to wildfire prevention and community resilience. The expansion of this network and the ongoing collection of data will further enhance the system's capabilities, making it more effective in spotting smoke and heat signatures while reducing false alarms. What are your thoughts on the role of technology in enhancing wildfire detection and response? Comment below! #WildfireDetection #ClimateChange #TechnologyInnovation #CommunityResilience