The state’s multi-pronged effort to predict and prevent devastating wildfires has received a $2 million shot in the arm from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of a $2.7 million infusion designed to use technology to combat the seasonal problem.
The $2 million FEMA grant, along with about $700,000 from non-federal sources, will go toward California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and Sonoma County, which will put the funds toward a network of cameras. According to FEMA, the technology can detect smoke and fire from 60 miles during the day and, using infrared technology, from 150 miles at night.
The 17 high-definition cameras will be positioned to monitor Sonoma County and parts of Lake, Marin, Mendocino and Napa counties.
The federal-county joint effort supplements a big effort by Gov. Gavin Newsom to use new IT procurement methods to address the state’s chronic vulnerability to wildfires.
