AI Camera Network Installed Peninsula-Wide To Detect Wildfires

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — A network of wildfire detection cameras made by tech company Pano AI will help prevent wildfires on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Installation of the cameras started last year thanks to a $1.5 million state budget allocation that was secured by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. Each camera scans 360 degrees and are placed in key vantage points covering the peninsula.

Supported by artificial intelligence, the cameras capture high-definition footage of the landscape while scanning to spot, evaluate and signal wildfire activity within a 15-mile radius. If a fire is detected, first responders will be alerted much earlier than normally possible.

The project was led by the city of Rancho Palos Verdes and will cost $700,000 for the first five years of the operation.

According to Cal Fire, virtually the entire peninsula is designated a very high fire hazard severity zone. As the fire-prone summer months approach, leaders will gather to highlight wildfire preparedness.

Muratsuchi and the four mayors of the Palos Verdes Peninsula cities will mark the official operation of the network on Friday, June 7.

Last year, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Cities launched a website to keep residents better informed and prepared in case of fire and potential evacuation. The "Know Your Zone" website houses Zonehaven, which is a cloud-based evacuation platform that includes Peninsula-wide evacuation zone maps.

To find specific evacuation zones, residents can visit PVPReady.gov and click "Find Your Zone." During emergencies, such as wildfires or floods, the website and corresponding alerts will show which zones are under evacuation immediately after authorities issue an order.