Idaho Legislature approves funding for AI fire detection equipment

During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Idaho Legislature allocated more money to the Department of Lands, especially to improve fire detection. One of the most future-facing features of this budget allocation is the provision for fire detection cameras powered by Artificial Intelligence, a neat complement to the state’s existing approach of harnessing technology to fight wildfires.

This investment isn’t simply about keeping up with contemporary challenges, it’s about getting ahead of them. This potential AI-powered solution was discussed in one of our previous blogs. We noted: "Artificial Intelligence can be our first line of defense to mitigate the impact of wildfires." In that blog, we highlighted how AI-enabled systems, especially those using fire detection cameras, can track the presence of smoke or heat signatures in real-time while providing faster response times and improved firefighting efforts.

Funding these AI fire detection cameras shows how the Idaho Legislature is acknowledging the critical role of AI in fire management and how it can revolutionize it. The state will be able to detect fires earlier than ever before with these cameras, so emergency responders can have more time to respond before a wildfire gets out of control. This approval by Idaho reflects a trend in wildfire management across the U.S. in which AI-powered fire detection technology is becoming more common. In fact, Arizona is leading the way in the usage of this technology, with utility companies such as APS already implementing AI-equipped cameras to help detect fires early.

Arizona also enjoyed great success in its firefighting efforts, with improved detection times resulting in rapid responses and less map coverage of wildfires since these technologies were implemented. 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.

As reported by Arizona Family News:

"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."

Additionally, on the West Coast, California has been nationally recognized for its innovative AI methods. The ALERTCalifornia system, developed by UC San Diego, utilizes AI to analyze video feeds from over 1,000 cameras statewide. In 2023, this system detected 1,200 fires, often faster than traditional 911 reporting. This innovation was recognized as a Best Invention of 2023 by TIME magazine.​

This additional funding in Idaho, specifically designated for fire detection cameras, will position the Gem State to integrate the technology of today into our wildfire prevention plan with the Department of Lands' best-in-class budget. It’s a bold, tech-savvy transition that keeps safety in mind while embracing innovation. As we stated in our previous blog post, AI fire detection systems are the cutting-edge tool that can help fight wildfires and will save both lives and hundreds of millions of acres of land.

It's time to complement the nostalgic Smokey the Bear defense with the AI Terminator of wildfires. This fast, accurate, and relentless system will seek to save our communities and landscapes using these advanced tools.