AI Cameras Now Monitoring for Wildfires in Southwest Utah

New high-tech cameras can detect smoke almost instantly, helping firefighters respond faster.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has launched a pilot program using AI-powered fire cameras in southwestern Utah. These 360-degree cameras are designed to alert fire agencies the moment smoke appears, providing crucial early detection that can make all the difference in quickly containing a wildfire.

Why it matters

Early detection of wildfires is critical, as small fires can quickly grow out of control if not caught early. These new AI cameras can spot smoke almost instantly, giving firefighters the ability to respond faster and more effectively before a small fire becomes a major blaze.

The details

The pilot program features four new AI camera stations installed by Pano AI, a San Francisco-based company. The cameras continuously scan the landscape and can distinguish smoke from other factors like fog and dust, reducing false alarms. Pano AI says the cameras have already detected over 100 wildfires in early stages across the western U.S. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands previously relied more on human eyes for early wildfire detection, but these new AI cameras are expected to improve their 90% success rate in catching fires at 10 acres or less.

  • The pilot program was launched in 2026.

The players

Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands

The state agency that has launched the pilot program using the AI-powered fire cameras.

Pano AI

The San Francisco-based company that has installed the four new AI camera stations in southwestern Utah as part of the pilot project.

Karl Hunt

A representative from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands who has provided positive feedback on the performance of the new AI cameras.

Peter Ambler

The vice president of government affairs with Pano AI, the maker of the AI-powered fire cameras.

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What they’re saying

“We're operating on the old wildfire credo that minutes matter.”

— Peter Ambler, Vice President of Government Affairs, Pano AI (ksltv.com)

“We have over a 90% catch rate when it comes to catching wildfires. That means we catch those fires at ten acres or less. The sooner we catch a wildfire, the sooner we get it put out.”

— Karl Hunt, Representative, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (ksltv.com)

“We're ever vigilant 24/7.”

— Peter Ambler, Vice President of Government Affairs, Pano AI (ksltv.com)

What’s next

If the pilot project proves successful, even more of the AI-powered fire cameras may be installed across the state of Utah.

The takeaway

These new AI cameras represent a significant technological advancement in the early detection of wildfires, giving firefighters the ability to respond faster and more effectively to contain small fires before they grow out of control. The successful implementation of this pilot program could serve as a model for other fire-prone regions to adopt similar AI-powered fire monitoring systems.