OLYMPIA, WA – The state Department of Natural Resources is using artificial intelligence and 5G networks to help the fight against wildfires.

Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz gave an update Thursday where she explained how the DNR uses the technology to attack fires as soon as they start.

Pano AI is partnering with T-Mobile to deploy nine ultra-high-definition cameras across the state that enable early detection and monitoring as new wildfires emerge.

The cameras identify smoke and fire as they appear and pinpoints the coordinates that get sent to the DNR to send resources to the scene and alert communities that may be in danger.

Using a 5G network connection, the cameras can detect fires in more remote locations.

Sonia Kastner, the CEO of Pano AI, said she sees Washington as a national leader in adopting new technology to mitigate the effects of wildfires.

12 more of the cameras are expected to be installed by next summer.