“If there was ever a question, this summer has proven that the investment was well worth it.” That’s the sentiment from Telluride Fire Protection District (TFPD) Chief John Bennett regarding the PANO-AI fire detection system that’s currently scanning county, state and federal lands in portions of SMPA’s service territory. “So much of wildland fire protection is about early detection,” says Chief Bennett “…and that’s exactly what the PANO system does.”
Back in 2023, SMPA and TFPD took an innovative first step to leverage an emerging technology from worldwide company, PANO-AI and applied it to wildland safety and fire protection. As a result, four 360-degree, high-definition cameras were installed at high-altitude perches at the Raspberry Communications Tower, Telski Lift #9, Grayhead and McKenzie Springs.
The video feed of these cameras is analyzed, in real time, by an Artificially Intelligent (AI) system. When the system detects an anomaly, an on-duty operator is alerted and local fire protection authorities can be notified, based on human discretion. The process is extremely fast and efficient.
“It’s a very effective tool,” says SMPA Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jeremy Fox. “Most often, when we receive an alert from PANO, it is the very first notification.” A notable example was the recent Bucktail fire in Montrose County, near Nucla. “When we received the call on that fire from Norwood, through mutual aid,” recalled Chief Bennett, “…our crews were already geared up and ready to deploy.” In several other cases, fire crews had been engaging in fire suppression on a scene before the first 9-1-1 call was received.
In addition to the time advantage, the PANO system has demonstrated a better-than-promised range. “We actually received an alert of an event on the Grand Mesa,” stated Chief Bennett. The site is located about 40 miles beyond the nameplate range of the camera that saw it.
“I am very proud of our partnership with the TFPD,” said SMPA CEO, Brad Zaporski. “This relationship has enabled the deployment of some of the most advanced wildfire protection technology currently available, and which is performing beyond our expectations to protect the communities that we serve.”
To enhance public safety, all PANO alerts are shared with an inter-agency dispatch center. San Miguel, and other counties, fire districts, and two power transmission authorities have all been benefitting from the improved vigilance. “Currently, the only funding partners are the TFPD & SMPA. “We are hoping that other local organizations will see the value and pledge support for the program,” stated Bennett. “With a discounted price ensured by the 3-year contract, and support from additional partners, we could not only continue the program in its current form; we could expand it with the addition of more cameras.”
“It’s clear that PANO’s mission is well-aligned with that of the Telluride Fire Protection District and of San Miguel Power Association,” said Fox. “It’s exciting to be part of an advanced solution for wildfire protection, but we need help if the program is to continue protecting our lands into the future.”