Case Study: ALERTCalifornia at UC San Diego improves wildfire detection and public safety with Axis Communications

ALERTCalifornia | University of California San Diego detected 3,600 fires with Axis Communications

The customer, ALERTCalifornia | University of California San Diego, faced the devastating and increasing threat of large-scale wildfires across California. Their challenge was to improve early detection and provide real-time data to firefighting agencies to protect human lives, property, and the state's ecology. To meet this need, they partnered with vendor Axis Communications and deployed their rugged AXIS Q60 and Q63 PTZ Camera Series.

The solution implemented by Axis Communications involved deploying a network of over 1,200 PTZ cameras across the state, equipped with technologies like Lightfinder and OptimizedIR for long-range day and night observation. This system, enhanced with artificial intelligence, provides immediate alerts for potential ignitions. The results are highly impactful; in 2025, the system alerted CAL FIRE to 3,600 fires, with over 50% of these warnings coming in before any 9-1-1 calls. This gives firefighters a critical head start, allowing them to suppress blazes before they grow out of control, ultimately improving public safety and operational efficiency for multiple agencies.

ALERTCalifornia | University of California San Diego