Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is intrigued by state-of-the-art fire prediction software being pitched by a company that wants to conduct a pilot project this fall.
Zubin Kothawala and Adam Preece from FireMark AI Inc. returned to the board as a delegation on August 9 to once again promote their high-tech model of fire prevention and containment.
The program predicts wildfires and can detect them at a distance using special software that gives information to first responders in real time. The model utilizes cameras, gas sensors, and satellite imagery to stand vigil and keep “watch.”
Kothawala said the software can detect smoke and fires kilometres away in a matter of minutes, which can greatly aid the response (without having to depend on the BC Wildfire Service). It was noted that the company’s main training and research area was Canal Flats.
Preece said they would like to begin the pilot in September and offer risk assessments by spring of 2025. He noted the monthly cost of a basic kit is $4,200 ($50,400 annually). It was also mentioned that Panorama Mountain Resort has signed on as a pilot site.
During question period, board member Steve Fairbairn asked how the company reconciles flying drones in a fire zone when drones are prohibited by law.
Kothawala said there are special flight requirements they must adhere to, and much of their drone operation occurs at night using thermal cameras. The board heard that FireMark has adjourned its pilot discussions with the BC Wildfire Service until fall because of the busy fire season.
Board member Don McCormick said he initially didn’t support FireMark’s proposal, but he has since changed his opinion. He noted the wildfire anxiety level among residents is high.
“If we wait for the provincial government, it’s never going to happen. The bottom line is if we don’t do it it’s not going to get done. I think the cost benefit is huge,” McCormick said.
Fellow member David Wilks said Sparwood had two close calls with wildfire last year.
“We are lucky this year but luck is going to run out,” he said, inviting FireMark to pitch their software to Sparwood.
Radium Mayor Mike Gray agreed the cost benefit is there, but he recommended the board look at other options through a staff report.
Board chair Rob Gay said he would like to see a staff report as well, noting the board has not heard from the BC Wildfire Service on this model.
Re: RDEK/Fire Prevention Model
$50,400.00 annually for a basic model!! How many homes can be replaced for that amount? I am sure every homeowner in Jasper who lost everything, would believe that that annual fee would have been worth it.
Steve Jobs was so successful with Apple because he refused to spend a dollar on feasibility studies. Instead he paid his employees to be creative and innovative. The government and corporations love to spend money on “studies” and reports! Studies don’t result in progress; they just use up the money that could be spent on solutions to a problem!