#wildfire-prevention

#wildfire-prevention

Wildfire prevention has traditionally relied on blunt tools, such as rigid inspection cycles and emergency power shutoffs. Now a new generation of technology start-ups is pitching a more targeted approach: using artificial intelligence to help utility companies decide what to inspectand where to intervenebefore a spark becomes a blaze. The stakes are rising. In 2025 more than 77,000 wildfires were reported in the U.S.significantly more than the past decade's averageand burned more than five million acres.

"You should be ready for the power to cut off at any moment," Ian Anderson, a government relations manager for Edison, told the Moorpark City Council at an October meeting. He urged residents to buy generators and said the utility doesn't reimburse customers for spoiled food and other losses if it believes the blackouts were required by "an act of God."

We all want to minimize the risk of fire to our homes and communities, but the EMBER plan is a simplistic, one-size-fits-all response to fire preparedness. The EMBER plan promotes, among other recommendations, that all vegetation within 5 feet of the house be removed. Trees and plants near and around homes provide shade and insulation, keeping homes cooler. Cooler homes reduce the need for air conditioning, which is a contributor to greenhouse gases that contribute to conditions for extreme wildfires.

At PG&E's weather lab in San Ramon, Scott Strenfel studies a huge digital map on the wall displaying temperatures, dew points and humidity levels across California. At a spot in Kern Hills outside of Bakersfield, wind gusts of 39 mph were forecast to hit. Hey team, thunderstorm outflow down in Kern at 3 p.m., Strenfel calls out to his fellow scientists, each behind double computer screens.

"Originally, you'd have a person look at pictures. And that only scales so far," Nathaniel Manning, co-founder and CEO of LGND, explained regarding traditional data analysis.

Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized the need for the federal government to significantly increase its investments in forest management, stating California's contributions are substantial but insufficient compared to the need.

We're thrilled to have Diana take on the role of city manager permanently, said Mayor Burton Craig, adding that her experience and knowledge, coupled with her extensive background in city planning, makes her the ideal choice to lead Monte Sereno.