As Texas deals with gusting winds this week, central Texas fire departments are incorporating AI into their wildfire firefighting efforts.
The Mitigate Platform
The Mitigate program developed by FiSci takes a different approach to fighting fires. Mitigate uses AI and predictive analytics to figure out the best approach when fighting fires.
How Does it Work?
Mitigate looks at all the contributing factors that combine to create wildfires. An analysis of vegetation, weather patterns, and topography leads to the creation of maps that show how and where fires are likely to start. Travis County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Ken Bailey tells KXAN the technology allows firefighters to plan strategically.
Mitigation
Travis County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Ken Bailey tells KXAN that the Mitigate platform can also give insight into steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of wildfires. Simulating the effectiveness of shaded fuel breaks, vegetation management, and roadway access can help decide where to allocate time and resources.
Fire Departments Using Mitigate
In addition to Travis County, fire departments in Westlake , Lake Travis, and Pflugerville are also using the technology. Texas A&M Fire Service reports since Saturday, Texas A&M Forest Service received 32 requests for assistance on wildfires burning 1,457.9 acres.
How to Protect Your Home from Wildfires
According to Texas A&M, there are things you can do to protect your home from wildfires:
Fire Resistant Plants
Plan your landscaping without plants that contain the presence of oil, resin, wax, or other chemicals in leaves and branches that increase a plant’s flammability. Fire resistant plants have the following qualities:
Higher moisture content
Drought tolerant…