Expanding Camera Network Protects Lake Tahoe From Wildfires

By on May 17, 2016
View from one of the Lake Tahoe Fire Cameras. (Credit: Nevada Seismological Laboratory)

View from one of the Tahoe Fire Cameras. (Credit: Nevada Seismological Laboratory)


An expanding network of cameras around Lake Tahoe is revolutionizing the fight against wildfires there, according to the Associated Press. That is largely because they can be operated by anyone online, instead of requiring expensive survey flights or sending out crews to investigate possible conflagrations.

The cameras are all part of the AlertTahoe network and can be accessed via the Nevada Seismological Laboratory’s website. They shoot scenes in high-definition and can be remotely operated to zoom, tilt and pan in the search for wisps of smoke.

Last year, six of the cameras were credited with the discovery of six fires and provided early detection on at least another 25 events. In one case, catching a fire early made it possible for crews to put it out with just a single helicopter and bucket, after it had burned only one acre.

Plans are to continue expanding the network of cameras across parts of northern Nevada, as well as closer to the Utah border.

Top image: View from one of the Tahoe Fire Cameras. (Credit: Nevada Seismological Laboratory)

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