AI wildfire camera spots suspected lightning fire on Lewis Peak before it can grow

An AI camera alerted fire officials to smoke on Lewis Peak Friday morning. Photo: North Summit Fire District

North Summit Fire District says early detection allowed crews to respond quickly to a remote-area fire

PARK CITY, Utah — A new artificial intelligence-powered wildfire detection system helped alert firefighters to a suspected lightning-caused fire on Lewis Peak Friday morning, giving crews a head start before afternoon heat and winds could increase fire activity.

The North Summit Fire District said its PANO AI wildfire detection camera system identified what appeared to be a tree struck by lightning and beginning to burn on the remote peak.

“Thanks to this early detection technology, firefighters were notified quickly and are making their way into the remote area to extinguish the fire before this afternoon’s heat and winds can increase fire activity,” the district wrote in a Friday morning Facebook post.

Firefighters are hiking into the area to suppress the fire, and officials asked recreationists to avoid interfering with emergency operations.

Using AI to catch wildfires

The incident comes as Utah fire agencies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence and remote camera systems as a way to detect wildfires during their earliest stages, when they are often easiest to contain.

AI-enabled cameras are being deployed across Utah to help firefighters spot smoke in remote areas where traditional detection methods can take longer.

The systems use cameras positioned on towers and high points to continuously scan landscapes. Artificial intelligence analyzes images for signs of smoke and can send alerts to fire officials when a possible ignition is detected.

“The sooner we are notified of a wildfire start, the sooner we can deploy resources to put it out,” Karl Hunt, public affairs officer with Utah’s Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, previously told TownLift.

Utah has been expanding its use of AI wildfire cameras through partnerships with technology providers, including PANO AI and AlertWest, as agencies look for ways to improve response times in remote terrain.

Fire officials urge caution as conditions remain dry

North Summit Fire District reminded residents and visitors that fire conditions remain dry and urged anyone recreating in the area to stay alert.

“Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have in preventing small fires from becoming large wildfires,” the district said.

Officials asked anyone who sees smoke or signs of fire to report it immediately by calling 911.