Stock photo of wildfire smoke courtesy of the B.C. Wildfire Service.

By Liam Verster

eyes on the fire

UBCO and B.C. partnership expanding camera network to detect and monitor wildfires

Jun 9, 2025 | 1:07 PM

A partnership between the B.C. Government and the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus (UBCO) that helps track wildfire activity in the province is being expanded.

The partnership will see a camera network expanded throughout B.C. at a cost of $200,000, provided by the province, to give first responders information to support wildfire response, emergency management, and public awareness.

“With this technology, we’re making strides in protecting communities from wildfires by predicting them before they happen. And better predicting them means keeping more families safe,” Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, said.

“I’m proud to work with UBCO and use its research to protect our communities from the threat of wildfire.”

The camera network was trialed in 2024 and saw the devices use 5G technology to detect smoke from wildfires and provide real-time data to support evacuation planning, resource deployment and wildfire behaviour predictions. The province said it played a “crucial role” in reducing risks, lowering suppression costs, and protecting communities.

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“As our climate changes, it’s important to manage and reduce risks to keep people safe,” Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, said.

“Taking steps to prevent disasters, such as the early detection of wildfires, can be life-saving and helps protect communities, homes, critical infrastructure and our forests.”

UBCO collects and analyzes the data captured by the network using artificial intelligence, and then provides the information to first responders.

“As a leading research institution, the University of British Columbia Okanagan is proud to partner with the BC Wildfire Service and the Government of British Columbia to support the people of the province through the provincial wildfire camera network,” Lesley Cormack, UBCO’s principal and deputy vice-chancellor, said.

“The provincial camera network will serve as a vital public-safety platform, helping to build safe and resilient communities, while enhancing wildfire and emergency management across British Columbia,” Mathieu Bourbonnais, with UBCO’s Irving K. Barber faculty of science, added.

The province also stated First Nations that wished to be involved in the development of the camera network can contact the B.C. Wildfire Service for more information.