JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson Hole Fire/EMS announced in a press release Wednesday that two new AI-powered wildfire detection cameras have been installed in Teton County to help catch wildfires early and reduce their impact on the community. One more camera will be installed later this year.
The cameras, made by ALERTWest, already detected a wildfire earlier this month. The blaze, which started in South Park, was caught early enough that crews could contain the small blaze within an hour.
Live cameras are installed at Snow King Mountain and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the third will be installed near Buffalo Valley later this year. Cameras post feeds live 24 hours a day and will be able to triangulate fires close to the community.
“This technology represents a major advancement for wildfire readiness,” said Deputy Fire Chief of Prevention and Support Services for Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Raymond Lane in a press release. “This is modern wildfire protection in action, using technology that strengthens safety for both first responders and the community we serve.”
The AI-powered cameras by ALERTWest will pixelate private residences and residential areas automatically.
While the cameras will not replace official warnings, evacuation notices or emergency instructions, they will supplement those systems. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts in Teton County at the TC Incident website.
“Wildfires can develop quickly, especially in mountain communities like ours, where steep, remote terrain can make visibility challenging,” Lane said. “Timely information saves precious minutes. These cameras provide another important tool for our emergency responders and provide the community with greater situational awareness.”
