By FireRescue1 Staff
DENVER — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced the deployment of wildfire sensors in Colorado to help detect fires early and protect communities.
DHS S&T has begun the phased delivery of 20 wildfire detection sensors and four wind sensors to Jefferson County, Colorado, with testing set to start this winter. Two sensors have already been installed in Boulder County, and Gilpin County is expected to receive 100 more in the coming months. These AI-based sensors work continuously to detect the early stages of wildfires, enabling first responders to act quickly, potentially saving lives and minimizing the damage caused by wildfires. The technology was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fire Administration and N5 Sensors Inc.
“We have a chance to get ahead of extreme weather in our country with these AI-based sensors that work 24/7 to quickly detect an initial wildfire blaze, giving first responders as much advanced warning as possible.
Colorado is the latest state to test this technology after successful implementations in Hawaii and California, with Tennessee slated to receive the sensors soon. According to Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology, these deployments are part of broader efforts to mitigate the growing threats posed by extreme weather conditions.
These sensors are part of a wider initiative during National Preparedness Month aimed at improving the safety and response capabilities of first responders across high-risk areas. The announcement also coincided with the Under Secretary’s visit to Colorado, where he engaged with emergency managers at several forums, including the Big City Emergency Managers’ Fall 2024 meeting in Denver, and a disaster preparedness forum in Boulder.
For more information about DHS S&T’s wildfire sensors and related first responder programs, visit DHS Science & Technology’s official site.
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