Province to invest $200k to expand wildfire detection camera network around B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — After a successful trial run in 2024, the provincial government is looking to expand a wildfire detection system.

The provincial government announced the expansion of a 2024 partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC)’s Okanagan campus, where the two partnered in a trial run of a camera network intended to give first responders “information to support wildfire response and emergency management.” 

Now, the province has announced it will be investing $200,000 into expanding the camera network around B.C. 

“With this technology, we’re making strides in protecting communities from wildfires by predicting them before they happen,” Ravi Parmar, the minister of forests, said.

In a statement to Energeticcity.ca, the Ministry of Forests stated there are currently two camera locations established in the Prince George Fire Centre region – which covers Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson – through the pilot.

It said the ministry is “working to further identify and prioritize additional locations in the northeast” later this year. 

According to the province, the cameras detect smoke from wildfires, providing real-time data through 5G technology, PanoAI – an AI-powered wildfire detection software – and Rogers. 

“The provincial camera network will serve as a vital public-safety platform, helping to build safe and resilient communities, while enhancing wildfire and emergency management across British Columbia,” Mathieu Bourbonnais, a researcher with UBC’s Okanagan campus, said. 

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness also contributed $50,000 to the camera network, according to a June 9th press release. 

Communities, local government and First Nations across the province can join the camera network by contacting the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) by emailing BCWS.CameraNetwork@gov.bc.ca.