Halifax launches AI pilot program with goal of detecting wildfires
The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) has launched a new pilot program with the goal of detecting wildfires early.
The program will use cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) software in three areas of the municipality.
A news release from the HRM says specialized cameras have been put on provincial communications towers in Hammonds Plains, Musquodoboit Harbour and Middle Sackville.
The cameras run 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have a 360-degree view.
The AI software looks for signs of smoke and if any is detected an alert will be sent to Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency for crews to assess.
A wildfire last spring in suburbs of northwest Halifax burned 969 hectares, destroyed 151 homes and forced more than 16,000 residents to flee the area.
City councillor Kathryn Morse believes more needs to be done to avoid further tragedies.
"Look at options for increasing what we do around fire prevention and specifically wildfire prevention," she said. "I think there's more we could do and should do to prevent wildfires."
Morse says she plans to put in a request to have the city create a report on what’s needed to prevent further fires, adding conditions in Nova Scotia are drier than they were last year.
"Re-evaluate the types of burning that we do, and perhaps the best way to avoid a repeat of the disaster we had last year is to have a more extensive ban on open fires," said Morse.
"I think it will take a few months to get a report back and it will take some time to implement."
The municipality is also sharing tips for residents to keep in mind during the current wildfire season, which began March 15:
- stay informed about weather conditions and fire restrictions
- plan an evacuation route
- have an emergency kit
- learn about the FireSmart program
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Republicans join Trump's attacks on justice system and campaign of vengeance after guilty verdict
Embracing Donald Trump's strategy of blaming the U.S. justice system after his historic guilty verdict, Republicans in Congress are fervently enlisting themselves in his campaign of vengeance and political retribution in the GOP bid to reclaim the White House.
Is carbon pricing a politically feasible climate policy? Research says maybe not
Research suggests the Liberals may be fighting a losing battle, and some experts are urging policymakers to look for alternative policies to lower emissions, warning the threat of climate change is too dire to delay action.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
U.K. ambassador to Mexico out after video allegedly shows him pointing a rifle at a colleague
The U.K.’s ambassador to Mexico has left his post after a video was posted on social media that purportedly shows him pointing an assault rifle at an embassy employee.
U.S. defense secretary says war with China neither imminent nor unavoidable, stressing need for talks
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told a gathering of top security officials Saturday that war with China was neither imminent nor unavoidable, despite rapidly escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the importance of renewed dialogue between him and his Chinese counterpart in avoiding "miscalculations and misunderstandings."
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Oilers beat Stars, one win away from Stanley Cup berth
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two power-play goals as Edmonton smothered the Dallas Stars 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the NHL's Western Conference final on Friday.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.