PHOENIX (AZFamily) — APS is installing AI smoke detection cameras statewide. It’s new technology that company officials say will help fight wildfires faster. APS has 15 AI smoke detectors around the state that can scan for fires 24/7 and tighten emergency response capability and time.

The AI cameras can constantly scan the forest or skyline statewide. If the cameras detect smoke, the technology will alert APS and first responders.

APS fire mitigation manager Wade Ward said the new gadgets APS “to detect fires early on and early detection means early suppression.” First responders are on high alert for fires year-round, but they can’t be everywhere at once. The AI cameras look like building security cameras, but they can constantly scan for threats. “Much like a Forest Service tower, where you have eyes looking for smoke, these cameras are looking 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Ward said.

APS workers do not monitor these cameras 24/7. The AI cameras are constantly scanning, so when they detect a potential threat, the cameras send an alert to an incident command center. They are then reviewed by a person. “That sends a notification to all of the dispatch centers across the state, whether it’s the Department of Forestry and Fire Management for the state or Forest Service like a dispatch center out of Prescott. They will get the alerts and then they will decide what to do with it,” Ward said.

The cameras also allow firefighters to see what they are dealing with ahead of time, strengthening emergency responses. Ward said there is one main goal. “To make sure that we keep our community safe,” Ward said.

Right now, APS workers have installed 15 cameras. Their goal is to have 15 more up by May 1.

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