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Researchers develop low-cost system to detect wildfires within seconds of ignition | This system, called FireLoc, could detect fires igniting from up to 3,000 feet away and accurately map wildfires to within 180 feet of their origin.


The researchers have developed FireLoc, an affordable, crowdsourced mobile phone network that detects wildfires within seconds.

Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a new crowdsourcing system significantly reducing wildfire mapping time from hours to seconds. This technology could help protect people and homes in risky areas like the Hollywood Hills, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. “FireLoc aims to improve wildfire response, better support areas close to wildlands, and promote safer living in extreme climates,” Fu said.

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