Sonoma county to use artificial intelligence against fires

Sonoma County officials say they will add artificial intelligence technology to help fight wildfires with a 24-7 monitor to track fire outbreaks. The technology will be added to the county's network of wildfire detection cameras that monitor California's backcountry to spot the first outbreak of flames. Many of the cameras are affixed to existing radio communication towers. "This early detection technology will provide emergency managers and first responders with round-the-clock monitoring, a sophisticated addition we are excited to add to our alert and warning toolkit," Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Lynda Hopkins said. Sonoma County, in the heart of Northern California's wine country, has been hit hard by devastating wildfires in recent years.