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
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
'Repetitive partisan conduct': Conservatives to force vote on ousting Speaker Greg Fergus
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
Trial for B.C. man accused of killing, dismembering wife begins
The trial for a Langley man accused of killing his wife began Monday, with the prosecutor laying out a disturbing series of facts agreed upon by both Crown and defence.
Stars roar back to win Game 3 over Oilers
Jason Robertson's hat-trick goal midway through the third period broke a deadlock and proved to be the eventual winner as the Dallas Stars beat the host Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final to take a 2-1 series lead.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Severe thunderstorms, tornado watch in some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind, severe thunderstorms and even snowfall across some areas of Canada.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Israel close to approving Gaza reunification program before Rafah invasion: Miller
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Israel seemed to be on the verge of approving a program to get Palestinian relatives of Canadians out of the Gaza Strip before the country's invasion of the town of Rafah.