This Data Startup Is Using Machine Learning And Aerial Images To Reduce Risks From Wildfires

Last year's Camp Fire in California was devastating. California's hillsides are still green, thanks to a surplus of rain in the past few months, but the state is already exhorting homeowners to build 100 feet of "defensible space" around their homes, an ominous warning of the coming wildfire season. Cape Analytics, a data startup, wants to do one better, using images from the air and data analytics to identify homes most at risk from a fast-moving wildfire. The Mountain View, California-based company said Wednesday that it is releasing a new product that makes use of its machine learning tools for aerial imagery to assess wildfire risks to people's homes. The primary customer for the product is insurance companies, who can use the tools to assess risk and notify homeowners if that risk can be mitigated.