To mark Wildfire Preparedness Week, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a new AI-powered chatbot on the CAL FIRE website (fire.ca.gov). The chatbot, called “Ask CAL FIRE,” helps people get quick and important information about wildfires. It works in 70 different languages, so more people can understand and stay safe.
This smart tool gives fast answers to common questions and shows users the right pages for more details. It also helps CAL FIRE learn what people are asking about, so they can improve their services.
Governor Newsom said this chatbot will help Californians stay safe during wildfire season by providing information anytime, in the language they speak. Whether you want to know how to protect your home, create safe space around it, or check on wildfires over 10 acres, the chatbot is there to help — 24/7.
CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler said, “In fast-moving wildfires, people need fast information. This tool helps everyone get the guidance they need.”
The chatbot is part of CAL FIRE’s efforts to use new technology and make wildfire information easy for everyone to access. CAL FIRE also uses AI, satellites, and more to spot wildfires early and respond quickly. A past project with UC San Diego was even named one of TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023.
California is also growing its firefighting tools. The state now has the world’s largest group of firefighting aircraft, including special helicopters that can fly at night.
Over the past few years, California has nearly doubled CAL FIRE’s budget and worked harder to stop fires before they start. While the state only controls 3% of California’s forests (most are managed by the federal government), it has already completed or started over 2,200 wildfire prevention projects. Since 2019, nearly 2 million acres of land have been treated to reduce wildfire risk.
Source: gov.ca
