AI-Powered Wildfire Detection Camera Installed in Clear Lake as Part of Statewide Safety Push

(KNSI) – Clear Lake is now home to one of Minnesota’s first artificial intelligence wildfire detection cameras.

According to Xcel Energy, it’s part of its expanded effort to protect communities from the growing threat of wildfires. The Pano AI camera system, recently installed in Clear Lake alongside another in Mankato, represents the first wave of 38 planned installations across Minnesota in areas identified as higher wildfire risk zones near power lines.

The Clear Lake camera station, mounted on an existing cell tower, performs a complete 360-degree scan of the surrounding area every minute, 24 hours a day.

The cameras use artificial intelligence to detect smoke and integrate satellite data to continuously monitor for fire threats.

When the system identifies potential smoke, human analysts at Pano verify the detection. Once confirmed, the technology triangulates the fire’s exact location and immediately notifies local fire agencies and dispatch centers with real-time intelligence about the terrain and fire conditions.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the timing is critical as Minnesota faces an escalating wildfire challenge. The department reports that more than 1,200 wildfires have been recorded across Minnesota this year, charring nearly 49,000 acres.

While new to Minnesota, Xcel Energy has successfully deployed Pano AI cameras in Colorado and Texas. In June 2024, the system detected smoke in Douglas County, Colorado, following a lightning strike. Firefighters responded quickly and contained the blaze to just three acres.

Local fire departments will have access to the Pano system’s real-time data, enabling faster response times and better coordination when fighting fires.

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