Predictive Protection: Central Texas Fire Departments Look To AI to Prevent Wildfires

As Texas deals with gusting winds this week, central Texas fire departments are incorporating AI into their wildfire firefighting efforts.

The Mitigate Platform

The Mitigate program developed by FiSci takes a different approach to fighting fires. Mitigate uses AI and predictive analytics to figure out the best approach when fighting fires.

How Does it Work?

Mitigate looks at all the contributing factors that combine to create wildfires. An analysis of vegetation, weather patterns, and topography leads to the creation of maps that show how and where fires are likely to start. Travis County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Ken Bailey tells KXAN the technology allows firefighters to plan strategically.

Mitigation

Travis County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Ken Bailey tells KXAN that the Mitigate platform can also give insight into steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of wildfires. Simulating the effectiveness of shaded fuel breaks, vegetation management, and roadway access can help decide where to allocate time and resources.

Fire Departments Using Mitigate

In addition to Travis County, fire departments in Westlake , Lake Travis, and Pflugerville are also using the technology. Texas A&M Fire Service reports since Saturday, Texas A&M Forest Service received 32 requests for assistance on wildfires burning 1,457.9 acres.

How to Protect Your Home from Wildfires

According to Texas A&M, there are things you can do to protect your home from wildfires:

Fire Resistant Plants

Plan your landscaping without plants that contain the presence of oil, resin, wax, or other chemicals in leaves and branches that increase a plant’s flammability. Fire resistant plants have the following qualities:

Higher moisture content

Drought tolerant

Open, loose branching

Easy to maintain and prune

Little accumulation of dead materials

Fireproof Construction

The construction of your home can increase the chance of your home surviving a wildfire.

Roof and Gutters

Use fire-resistant roofing material such as metal, tile, or Class A shingles.

Install metal gutters and gutter guards to keep debris from accumulating.

Place angle flashing over openings between the roof decking and fascia board.

Eaves and Soffits

Enclose or box-in eaves with non-combustible materials such as metal, cement board, or stucco.

Install a metal screen behind the roof vents.

Exterior walls

Select heat and fire-resistant siding such as metal, brick, block, stone, cement board, fire-retardant treated lumber, or cross-laminated timber.

Make sure there are no crevices or holes that could catch embers.

Windows and Skylights

Install double-paned or tempered glass windows.

Use metal framing or aluminum coverings for wood or vinyl.

Use a fiberglass or metal screen.

Vents

Install 1/8-inch metal screening behind vents.

Clean vents to keep them free of debris, allowing them to keep embers out while allowing air flow for ventilation.

Decks, Fencing, and Skirting

Spread gravel or other non-combustible material under the deck.

Screen in the bottom of the deck with metal 1/8-inch screening.

Separate wooden fences from the house with a stone or metal barrier.

Use non-combustible material for skirting around the foundation.