Pano AI's Wildfire Prevention Technology

Wildfires have become increasingly problematic and destructive, especially due to climate change, with many states in the US unfortunately experiencing some of the most severe wildfires over the past few years.

The significant rise and intensity of wildfires make comprehensive approaches to wildfire mitigation all the more important, with detection policies such as lookout towers and aircraft, satellite imagery, as well as sensor networks now operating in plenty of locations prone to wildfires.

Most wildfire incidents still require reports to firefighters through 911 calls, however, and the whole process usually takes a really long time. In some cases, reported wildfires also end up not being true fires.

Pano AI, an intelligent wildfire management company founded by Sonia Kastner and Arvind Satyam, utilizes AI-powered surveillance cameras and software to combine early detection and higher fidelity alerts of wildfires, ensuring fire professionals the most accurate and speedy life-saving information.

Wildfire Management

While fire detection policies and early warning systems have become more prominent and hold the utmost importance when it comes to handling wildfires, prevention policies are just as vital. As the frequency and intensity of wildfires rise, not only are more lookout towers being manned by trained observers and satellites used to patrol forests, but prevention policies such as fuel management, defensible space, and community outreach are also being increasingly applied.

With fuel management policies like mastication and prescribed burns, the amount of combustible materials in forests is being reduced, preventing more wildfires from happening. In terms of protection, defensible spaces and buffer zones around homes and structures vulnerable to wildfire spreads are increasingly being made, whether by removing vegetation or by the use of fire-resistant landscaping. Community outreach, which usually involves educating homeowners and communities on how to protect their property, is also being done more often so everyone can take action.

One large issue that hasn’t been solved is the very critical reaction time between wildfire reporting and handling. According to Kastner, only 5% of 911 calls are actually a fire, and every call needs to be verified by dispatching a fire truck. If the fire proves true, there’s no guarantee that a truck would arrive before a massive spread. If untrue, this only wastes the fire department’s resources but also their time, as it can very much be wasted in one place when it could actually handle wildfires elsewhere.

This is the massive role Pano AI aims to play.

Speed and Accuracy

Pano AI’s surveillance cameras, which are installed in strategically positioned towers and high structures, are equipped with AI-powered features so the cameras can detect and verify existing fires as well as potential fires before they spread.

Pano AI’s cameras are connected to the company’s software with built-in communication tools, which allows it to send automatic alerts as well as high-definition images of a fire to first responders’ mobile devices. This way, the fire department can quickly examine the situation and make informed decisions, whether it be monitoring the potential fire further or responding by effectively putting out the fire if needed.

The AI cameras are able to keep constant watch of areas within a 15-mile distance. The tech, which Pano AI calls ‘Rapid Detect,’ is designed as a network that can see fires from two stations at the same time, ensuring full coverage of quite large areas. With the help of AI, the tech is also equipped with sensors and algorithms that can calculate the latitude and longitude of a wildfire and quickly analyze vital data, aimed to provide the fire department and other related first responders with the most accurate information.

Collaborations and Placements

Pano AI announced a collaboration with T-Mobile for its 5G network and masts for hardware mounting. The company also collaborated with Portland General Electric to expand its mountaintop camera network. At the moment, about 100 units of Pano AI’s cameras are placed in several states, including Portland, Washington, and Colorado.

While Pano AI owns its own cameras and infrastructure, the company’s software licenses are available for companies and organizations to purchase at $50.000 per station. Pano AI’s clientele mostly includes power utilities, private landowners, and government fire agencies across the US.

The company has raised a total of $45M from a few investors, including but not limited to Valor Equity Partners, T-Mobile Ventures, Salesforce, and Initialized Capital. Pano AI is growing rapidly in the US as well as Australia. With its funding, the company plans to expand its services to Europe.

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