Colorado considers using AI to spot wildfire smoke

In an effort to prevent the spread of destructive wildfires, Colorado lawmakers are considering investing in artificial intelligence technology to monitor video footage and warn firefighters when smoke is detected. The Colorado Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources unanimously passed a $2 million bill Thursday that would establish one or more remote camera technology pilot programs that "may include the use of artificial intelligence technologies." The bill advanced to the Colorado Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. If approved, a pilot program would install 40 camera stations and six mobile stations that could be moved to monitor active fires. The results of the pilot would be used to evaluate whether the technology should be implemented more widely across the state.