Press Release - Santa Clara County Advances Wildfire Detection with AI Technology

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Publication
Contact: Grace Stetson, Communications Specialist
669-309-3219 | [email protected]

Santa Clara County Advances Wildfire Detection with AI Technology 

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA - Santa Clara County has taken a major step toward safeguarding homes, infrastructure, and families from the growing threat of wildfires. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the installation of 50 AI-powered wildfire detection sensors throughout the county’s Wildland Urban Interface, focusing on the eastern and southern regions. 

Originally proposed by Board President Otto Lee in fall 2023, the initiative explored the feasibility and cost of leveraging advanced technology to enhance local wildfire response. After thorough evaluation and in the wake of numerous wildfires across California, the proposal has now been officially adopted. 

With rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events both locally and globally, Lee emphasized the critical need for proactive measures. 

“We all know that climate change is driving more frequent and severe wildfires throughout California,” President Lee said. “If this new technology allows us to detect and respond to even more than one or two fires faster than our current systems, then it is absolutely worth the investment.” 

In addition to deploying sensors on County-owned land and in County parks, staff have been directed to engage with private landowners to request permission for sensor placement in key strategic locations. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure the most effective coverage possible, maximizing early detection and rapid response capabilities. 

President Lee successfully advocated for expanding the original recommendation from 30 to 50 sensors, with the first phase of installation slated for completion by the end of the upcoming fire season. 

“I am grateful for the unanimous support from my colleagues to increase the number of sensors as battling the impacts of climate change is a top priority,” President Lee added.  

The implementation will first focus on East and South County, which currently have no coverage. Status reports will be presented at the Housing, Land Use, Environment, and Transportation Committee this fall.  

“With the wildfire season fast approaching, I was proud to support Board President Otto Lee’s motion to launch a program to deploy wildfire detection sensors,” said Vice President Sylvia Arenas. “I also called for clear direction for our Administration to coordinate with partner agencies, like the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency. Advancing this program and strengthening regional collaboration are critical - not only to protect our open spaces and support our firefighters on the frontlines - but to save lives.”  

"Identifying fires as soon as possible can mean the difference between getting out or being trapped in some of these communities," said Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, who seconded the motion. "So, every minute counts as we work to get the message out in remote areas."  

During the report, CEO of SCC FireSafe Council Seth Schalet shared his enthusiasm and showed the Supervisors what the sensors selected look like. After the unanimous approval, Schalet said: “These sensors are shown to be a key tool in preventing the spread of wildfires and protecting homes. We’re thankful for Sup. Lee’s leadership on this effort, and we’re ready to get these additional sensors placed and online.”  

The District 3 Office thanks community partners for support, including: Santa Clara County Parks; Santa Clara County FireSafe Council; Santa Clara County Fire Department; Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority; San José Water; Valley Water; 350 Silicon Valley; Stanford University; Palo Alto Fire Department; Woodside Fire Protection District; Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter; Acterra; and Los Altos County Fire District. 

Click HERE to read the agenda item and report

UPDATE May 21, 2025: Caption corrected in collage to tour with San José Water. In April 2025, San José Water hosted a tour of its watershed near CA-17 and Summit Road, highlighting the ongoing deployment of wildfire detection sensors that began in 2023.

 

MEDIA COVERAGE:

🠞 ABC7/KGO-TV: Santa Clara County uses AI sensors to help detect fires early before major destruction [LINK]
🠞 KTSF 26: South Bay Wildfire Detection-Santa Clara縣議會表決通過裝設50個探測山火的人工智能感應器 [LINK]
🠞 Mercury News: AI-boosted smoke sniffing wildfire sensors approved for Santa Clara County [LINK]

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Supervisor Otto Lee serves District 3 on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors which represents Sunnyvale, Milpitas, and the northern neighborhoods of San José including Alviso and Berryessa. Supervisor Lee also serves as the President of the Board of Supervisors. He is an intellectual property attorney, Retired U.S. Navy Commander, former Sunnyvale Mayor & Councilmember, and father. Supervisor Lee lives in Sunnyvale with his wife and three daughters. He was elected to represent District 3 in November 2020, and re-elected in 2024. More information about him and the District 3 Office is available online at SupervisorLee.org or contact us anytime at [email protected].